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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLake Elsinore General Plan - Part 2Open Space%Conservation Element IV. OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION A. INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW The City of Lake Elsinore is currently in a transitional stage of growth from a small, semi -rural recreational town to an urbanized community. The City of Lake Elsinore and the city's sphere of influence have a number of valuable natural resources, including those of biological and mineral significance, as well as physical significance in terms of landforms and Lake Elsinore. The Study Area also contains hundreds of acres of national forest lands and state owned open space lands. Lake Elsinore's unique environment affords the city the opportunity to encourage development while at the same time promoting the wise management of resources and open space for the benefit of the citizens of the community. The Open Space/Conservation Element is intended to identify natural and man-made resources within the city, as well as to aid in the development of policies and implementation programs that will encourage the conservation, protection, and proper management of these resources. By identifying and encouraging the proper manage- ment of the community's resources, the city can assure their continual availability, appreciation and enjoyment. The Open Space/Conservation Element specifically addresses the following: ► Biological Resources ► Water Resources ► Energy Conservation ► Air Resources ► Cultural Resources ► Open Space and Visual Resources ► Mineral Resources ► Agricultural Resources 2. AUTHORIZATION State legislation requires the inclusion of an Open Space Element (Government Code Section 65302(c)) and a Conservation Element (Government Code Section 65302(d)) in all local government general plans. IV -1 Open Space/Conservation Element State legislation (Government Code Section 65561) declares that the preservation of open space land is necessary not only for the maintenance of the economy of the state, but also for the assurance of the continued availability of land for the production of food and fiber, for the enjoyment of scenic beauty, for recreation and for the use of natural resources. The legislation further mandates that cities, as well as counties and the state, make definite plans for the preservation of valuable open -space land and take positive action to carry out such plans by the adoption and strict administration of laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. I -and designated as open space may be utilized for the preservation of natural resources, including plant and animal life, as well as waterways. The designation of open space is also required for the managed production of resources including agricultural lands, areas required for recharge of ground water basins, and areas containing major mineral deposits. Open space may also be used for outdoor recreation. Open space for public health and safety purposes may include areas which require special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions such as earthquake fault zones, unstable soil areas, floodplains, watersheds, and areas required for the protection of water and air quality. State legislation requires a Conservation Element for the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. Significant resources may include waterways, agricultural soils, wildlife, minerals, energy and air resources, cultural resources, and other natural assets. The Conservation Element may further cover the prevention, control and correction of soil erosion, the prevention and conservation of watersheds, and flood control conservation methods to protect land in stream channel areas. Public Resource Code Section 2762 mandates that every lead agency, in accordance with state policy, establish mineral resource management policies to be incorporated in its general plan. Such policies should recognize mineral information classified by the State Geologist and transmitted by the State Mining and Geology Board; assist in the management of land use which affects areas of statewide and regional significance; and emphasize the conservation and development of identified mineral deposits. The State Mining and Geology Board has reviewed the mineral resource goals, objectives, policies and programs contained in this Element. IV -2 Open Space/Conservation Element B. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 1. EXISTING CONDMONS The biological environment of the Study Area consists of native plants, wildlife and threatened and/or endangered species. A biological study was conducted by Dave Bramlet in September 1989, consisting of a field investigation and a literature search of all current biological resource information. The results of this research effort were compiled into a detailed report which is included in the General Plan Technical Appendices. A discussion of each of the habitat communities within the Study Area as well as a complete listing of vegetation and wildlife species can be found in this report. A summary is contained in this element, as well as the Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan. a. Vegetation Vegetation plays an important role in the natural environ- ment by providing food, shelter and other resources for wildlife. The majority of plant life found in the Lake Elsinore area falls within six categories: coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands, woodlands and forest, riparian, wetland, and ruderal. Exhibit IV -1 shows the vegetation within the Study Area. 1) Coastal Sage Scrub The area in the vicinity of Lake Elsinore is generally characterized by an open, coastal sage scrub. The coastal sage scrub community usually occurs at elevations below 3,000 feet. Two types of sage scrub occur in Lake Elsinore: Diegan sage scrub and Riversidian sage scrub. Coastal sage scrub grows to be two to three feet high. In between the shrubs, a variety of perennial and semi -woody species exist. The shrub canopy also contains many openings which allow for the development of annual and perennial grasses. The Riversidian sage scrub is a more xeric community which contains a lower and dense scrub density which results in a reduced understory cover. This community is often characterized by monotypic' stands of interior flat -top buckwheat and/or brittle - bush. Other shrubs found mixed within this commu- nity include California sagebrush, California match N-3 Open Space/Conservation Element EXISTING VEGETATION LEGEND - EXHIBIT IV -1 Gr Grassland Asw Sycamore alluvial woodland Css Coastal sage scrub (diegan or riversidian) Ur Urban Ag Agricultural Wrf Willow (usually black) riparian forest Ru Ruderal Alss Riversidian alluvial sage scrub Ts Tamarisk scrub Fm Freshwater marsh j Rs Willow or mulefat riparian scrub Chap Chaparral Orf Southern coast live oak riparian forest Bsf Bigcone spruce - canyon live oak forest Cwf Southern coast live oak riparian forest Ow Southern oak woodland Vs Valley sink scrub Am Alkali meadow Lsl Littoral shoreline Sb Streambed Eg Eucalyptus grove t Source: National Diversity Data Base, 1989. N-4 Open Space/Conservation Element weed, valley cholla and Palmer's golden bush. A unique form of sage brush, the Riversidian alluvial sage scrub, is found in the larger washes of the Santa Ana and San Jacinto mountains. The community is located on the alluvial fan beside and above the existing streambeds. Much of this community has been altered by flood control projects and devel- opment. This community is intermixed with chapar- ral species which were washed down from higher elevations. 2) Chaparral Chaparral species are located mainly on the east face of the Santa Ana Mountains and in the foothills of the eastern part of the Study Area. The two species prevalent on these mountains include chamise chaparral and chaparral. The chamise chaparral is found on diverse slopes and is dominated by dense stands of chamise and black sage. The sides of the canyons and other areas contain a mixed chaparral dominated by black -leaved ceanothus, sugar bush, chaparral whitethorn, salmon monkeyflower and black sage. This community is highly adapted to fire. Many of the species have developed special mecha- nisms to reproduce, such as burls or heat -responsive seeds, after fire. 3) Grasslands Grasslands are abundant throughout the Study Area and are usually composed of non-native annual grasses. Invasive species of grass are often consid- ered to be weeds. Forbs are also a common element of grasslands. These plant communities occur along interior valleys as well as mesas. This community characteristically germinates during the fall and flowers occur during the winter and the spring. A native, perennial grassland can also be found in small pockets within the grasslands or sage scrub of the Lake Elsinore area. Open Space/Conservation Element 4) Woodlands and Forests In addition to riparian woodland, three types of woodland and forest communities can be found in the Study Area, including evergreen forests, oak woodland and juniper woodland. Evergreen forests consist of canyon live oak, interior live oak and big cone spruce. This community can be found the upper reaches of canyons within the Santa Ana Mountains. Oak woodland plant communities may be found along the mesas and plateaus of the Santa Ana Mountains. These woodland communities are dominated by coast live oaks or Engelmann oaks, and form a valuable wildlife habitat. A few areas within the northeast portion of the Study Area contain juniper woodlands. The California junipers are located among sparse shrub land and grassland areas. 5) Riparian Communities A variety of riparian communities are found along large sballow water bodies and stream channels. These communities contain a greater density of trees and shrubs as well as a greater vertical structure than other communities in the region. Sycamore alluvial woodlands _ are found along the intermittent streams in the Study Area. Adjacent to channel areas are Fremont cottonwood, black wil- lows, western sycamores, and occasional coast live oaks. Due to insufficient ground or surface water supply along streambeds to support a large forest, dense, tall shrub thickets composed of arroyo willow, mulefat, sandbar willow or arroyo willow exist along smaller stream drainages. Southern and coast live oak riparian forests are associated with intermittent stream courses and are dominated by dense groves of coast live oak. In the upper portions of the canyons in the Santa Ana Mountains are riparian forests composed of canyon live oak mixed with coast live oak. N-6 Open Space/Conservation Element 6) Wetlands Marshes are found where standing shallow bodies of water accumulate in the valleys with poor drainage. This community is characterized by a long growing season and relatively constant physical conditions. Prominent plant types include cattail, bulrush or tole and sedge. Marshes are often adjacent to riparian systems, such as those found along Walker Canyon, which creates a greater habitat value. Alkali is common in inundated areas where evaporation is high and salts rapidly accumulate in the soil. An alkali meadow of herbaceous, salt -tolerant species can be found in these areas. Other areas are much drier with a scattered herbaceous cover. Littoral shoreline wetland areas are found along the beach and contain ruderal wetland vegetation caused by the varying water levels of the lake. Alkali conditions can also be found around the lakeshore. At the south end of the lake in an old inundation zone, areas of tamarisk scrub exist. 7) Ruderal There are many areas within the region that have been disturbed by past grading and agricultural activities. These areas contain a number of annual, weedy species which thrive in disturbed habitats. Some of these areas contain ornamental trees and shrubs from previous dwelling sites, while others had been previously cleared of vegetation and are active- ly maintained, by discing, to control the vegetation. Remnants of eucalyptus plantations occur in this community, especially in the Warm Springs area. b. Wildlife Plant communities within Lake Elsinore provide for a variety of habitats for wildlife including birds, mammals and fish. While some areas within Lake Elsinore are devoid of vegetation, others offer high-quality habitat. Further details on wildlife in the Study Area are found in the Technical Appendix Report. ry-7 Open Space%Conservation Element Chaparral is an excellent wildlife habitat providing berries, seeds and a dense covered shelter. insects within the leaf Etter also provide a food source. Typical birds found in the chaparral community are the poor will, rufous -sided towhee, scrub jay, titmouse, the brown towhee, the wrentit, golden crowned sparrow, black crowned sparrow, the California thrasher and California quail. Small mammals can be found within this plant community, including mice, rats, deer, rabbits, squirrels, bobcat and coyote. Mountain lions have been sighted in the isolated portions of the Cleveland National Forest. Rattlesnakes, the side -blotched lizard, fence lizard, red racer snake, patch - nosed snake, San Diego night snake, California king snake, rosy boa, gopher snake and the lyre snake inhabit this community. Bird species observed in the coastal sage community include mourning dove, common rave, roadrunner, ash -throated flycatcher, Costa's hummingbird, pharnopepla, bewick's ,vren, Anna's hummingbird, red-tailed hawk, turkey vulture and American kestrel. The black -tailed gnatcatcher is also found in California sagebrush areas. Several species of lizards can also be found, including side -blotched lizard, western fence lizard, spiny granite lizard, gopher snake, red snake, patch nosed snake, and the red racer. The granite spiny lizard and San Diego gecko occasionally can be found. Rodents and small mammals including the deer mouse, California vole, California pocket mouse, canyon mouse, botta pocket gopher, pacific kangaroo rat, desert woodrat, brush rabbit, Audubon cottontail and the California ground squirrel live in the coastal sage scrub. Larger mammals found in the community include coyote, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, skunk, badger, bobcat and mule deer. The only amphibians expected are the garden slender salamander, Pacific tree frog and the western toad. These species are found in moist areas under rocks. Grassland does not support as diverse a wildlife habitat as many other communities due to lack of diverse vegetation types. Birds obtaining a food source from seeds and insects on the ground include mourning dove, western meadowlark, grasshopper sparrow, sage sparrow and horned lark. Flycatchers, such as the western kingbird and Say's phoebe Open Space/Conservation Element are found on grassland borders. Predatory birds prevalent in grasslands include the red-tailed hawk, loggerhead shrike, American crow, common raven, black -shouldered kite, turkey vulture, American kestrel, and owls. Reptiles located in the grassland community include the side -blotched lizard, western fence lizard, red diamond rattlesnake and the gopher snake. The grassland community supports mammal species including the coyote, skunk, badger, weasel and squirrel. Rodents include the San Diego pocket mouse, deer mouse, botta pocket gopher, broad - handed mole, California vole, western harvest mouse, grasshopper mouse and Stephens' kangaroo rat. Riparian habitats provide a high diversity of plant types which support an abundant and diverse wildlife resource. This habitat supports amphibians, reptiles and rodents, including the slender salamander, California newt, ensatina, Pacific tree frog, bullfrog, western toad and red -legged frog. The southwestern pond turtle can be found along stream - courses, especially within the Santa Ana Mountains. Other reptiles include lizards and snakes. Rodents are common in areas where seasonal flooding occurs. This plant community supports rabbits, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, weasels and bobcats, mice, rats, gophers, moles, squirrels, and opossum. Mule deer utilize drainageways for their habitat. The dense vegetation of the riparian woodlands is a signifi- cant and essential habitat for many bird species. Raptors found in this community include the red-tailed hawk, red - shouldered hawk, black -shouldered kite, and the American kestrel. Winter migrants include warblers, kinglets and vireos. The riparian habitat is utilized and important to spring -summer residents including the willow flycatcher, western flycatcher, orange crowned warbler, yellow warbler, the yellow -breasted chat, least Bell's vireo, Anna's humming- bird, black -chinned hummingbird, black phoebe, bushtit, plain titmouse, western pewee, Brewer's blackbird, and the brown -headed cowbird. Herons have been observed in more open areas. Freshwater marshlands support a variety of faunal species. Bird species include the Virginia rail, black -crowned night �-- heron, marsh wren, tri -colored blackbird, sora rail, Ameri- can bittern, common yellowthroat, the long -billed marsh N-9 Open Space/ConSVvation Element wren, redwing blackbird, American coot, egrets, herons, grebes, song sparrow and several species of ducks. Amphib- ian species found in this community are frogs, salamanders and newts. Many of these species require freshwater or semi -aquatic habitats and cannot survive in any other environment. Lake Elsinore supports approximately twelve species of fish which are listed below. Table N-1 FISH OF LAKE ELSINORE Bluegill Mosquito fish Channel catfish Green sunfish White catfish Largemouth bass Common carp Redear sunfish Crappie sp. Threadfin shad Golden shiner Tilapia sp. Both the population and variety of fish are abundant at higher lake levels (1,240-1,265 feet) due to the presence of better quality water, and increased plankton population. Flooding of higher lake levels also creates additional shallow water habitat. Shallow water areas provide for spawning and rearing. The shoreline also provides foraging for bird species including the great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, black -neck stilt, American avocet, spotted sandpiper, killdeer and migratory birds. At lower water levels (below 1,240 feet), fish begin to die due to a concen- tration of dissolved salts, algae blooms, and lower oxygen content in the water. Plant, animal species and communities of concern to the California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Diversity Data Base, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, County of Riverside, California Native Plant Society and Audubon Society are included within the biological assessment contained in the Technical Appendices. Communities of concern are assemblages of plant and animal species occurring in the same habitat and having a complex set of interrelationships, or are species that are not currently N-10 Open Space/Conservation Element included on a state or federal list of endangered species but may be in the future. The communities of concern are identified on Exhibit N-2. Although the species of concern do not receive the same level of state and federal protec- tion, the CEQA guidelines and the State General Plan guidelines require the consideration of species of concern in land use decisionmaking. Applications have been filed at the federal level to include some of these species on the endangered list. Therefore, loss of these species could be significant in the near future. The plant species of concern were determined by the use of the Natural Diversity Data Base list of special plant species, the County of Riverside distribution maps and the Califor- nia Native Plant Society's rare plant inventory. Based on the review of these reports developed for the Lake Elsinore, Alberhill, Wildomar, Sitton Peak, Steele Peak, Murrieta and Romoland areas, the following are species of concern: Munz's onion, robust prickly poppy, San Jacinto Valley sahbush, thread -leaved brodiaea, Payson's caulanthus, slender -horned spineflower, Pala spine flower, many - stemmed dudleya, Palmer's grappling hook, smooth spike - weed, heart -leaved pitcher sage, Cleveland's buze monkey - flower, California orcutt grass, chaparral pea, Fish's milk - wort, Engelmann oak, Coulter's matilija poppy and San Miguel savory. A more detailed description of each of these species can be found in the Technical Appendix Report. Animal species of concern are reptiles, birds and mammals. Amphibians and reptiles found in the Lake Elsinore area include the red -legged frog, San Diego horned lizard, orange -throated whiptails, western pond turtle and the two- line gartersnake. These species are mainly found in the Santa Ana Mountains, the Elsinore Mountains and the Santa Rosa Plateau. Portions of Lake Elsinore contain habitats which accommodate the special needs for foraging and/or roosting and nesting birds. Riparian forests. and marsh habitats are two habitats found in Lake Elsinore which accommodate birds.Bird species of concern found in Lake Elsinore include white pelican, snowy plover, Califor- nia gull, least bittern and tricolor blackbird. The birds of prey which may be found in the Elsinore area include the bald eagle, osprey, ferruginous hawks, red -shouldered hawk, Cooper's and sharp -shinned hawk, northern harrier, black - shouldered kite, burrowing owl and California gnatcatcher. Open Space/Conservation Element EXISTING VEGETATION LEGEND - EXHIBIT IV -1 Gr Grassland Asw Sycamore alluvial woodland Css Coastal sage scrub (diegan or riversidian) Ur Urban Ag Agricultural Wrf Willow (usually black) riparian forest Ru Ruderal Alss Riversidian alluvial sage scrub Ts Tamarisk scrub Fm Freshwater marsh Rs Willow or mulefat riparian scrub Chap Chaparral Orf Southern coast live oak riparian forest Bsf Bigcone spruce - canyon live oak forest C>vf Southern coast live oak riparian forest Ow Southern oak woodland Vs Valley sink scrub Am Alkali meadow Lsl Littoral shoreline Sb Streambed Eg Eucalyptus grove Source: National Diversity Data Base, 1989. IV - 4 Open Spare/Conservation Element weed, valley_ cholla and Palmer's golden bush. A unique form of sage brush, the Riversidian alluvial sage scrub, is found in the larger washes of the Santa Ana and San Jacinto mountains. The community is located on the alluvial fan beside and above the existing streambeds. Much of this community has been altered by flood control projects and devel- opment. This community is intermixed with chapar- ral species which were washed down from higher elevations. 2) Chaparral Chaparral species are located mainly on the east face of the Santa Ana Mountains and in the foothills of the eastern part of the Study Area. The two species prevalent on these mountains include chamise chaparral and chaparral. The chamise chaparral is found on diverse slopes and is dominated by dense stands of chamise and black sage. The sides of the canyons and other areas contain a mixed chaparral dominated by black -leaved ceanothus, sugar bush, chaparral whitethorn, salmon monke), lower and black sage. This community is highly adapted to fire. Many of the species have developed special mecha- nisms to reproduce, such as burls or heat -responsive seeds, after fire. 3) Grasslands Grasslands are abundant throughout the Study Area and are usually composed of non-native annual grasses. Invasive species of grass are often consid- ered to be weeds. Forbs are also a common element of grasslands. These plant communities occur along interior valleys as well as mesas. This community characteristically germinates during the fall and flowers occur during the winter and the spring. A native, perennial grassland can also be found in small pockets within the grasslands or sage scrub of the Lake Elsinore area. Open Space/Conservation Element 4) Woodlands and Forests In addition to riparian woodland, three types of woodland and forest communities can be found in the Study Area, including evergreen forests, oak woodland and juniper woodland. Evergreen forests consist of canyon live oak, interior live oak and big cone spruce. This community can be found the upper reaches of canyons within the Santa Ana Mountains. Oak woodland plant communities may be found along the mesas and plateaus of the Santa Ana Mountains. These woodland communities are dominated by coast live oaks or Engelmann oaks, and form a valuable wildlife habitat. A few areas within the northeast portion of the Study Area contain juniper woodlands. The California junipers are located among sparse shrub land and grassland areas. 5) Riparian Communities A variety of riparian communities are found along large shallow water bodies and stream channels. These communities contain a greater density of trees and shrubs as well as a greater vertical structure than other communities in the region. Sycamore alluvial woodlands are found along the intermittent Streams in the Study Area. Adjacent to channel areas are Fremont cottonwood, black lows, western sycamores, and occasional coast live oaks. Due to insufficient ground or surface water supply along streambeds to support a large forest, dense, tali shrub thickets composed of arroyo willow, mulefat, sandbar willow or arroyo willow exist along smaller stream drainages. Southern and coast live oak riparian forests are associated with intermittent stream courses and are dominated by dense groves of coast live oak. In the upper portions of the canyons in the Santa Ana Mountains are riparian forests composed of canyon live oak mixed with coast live oak. 1V-6 Open Space/Conservation Element 6) Wetlands Marshes are found where standing shallow bodies of water accumulate in the valleys with poor drainage. This community is characterized by a long growing season and relatively constant physical conditions. Prominent plant types include cattail, bulrush or tule and sedge. Marshes are often adjacent to riparian systems, such as those found along Walker Canyon, which creates a greater habitat value. Alkali is common in inundated areas where evaporation is high and salts rapidly accumulate in the soil. An alkali meadow of herbaceous, salt -tolerant species can be found in these areas. Other areas are much drier with a scattered herbaceous cover. Littoral shoreline wetland areas are found along the beach and contain ruderal wetland vegetation caused by the varying water levels of the lake. Alkali conditions can also be found around the lakeshore. At the south end of the lake in an old inundation zone, areas of tamarisk scrub exist. 7) Ruderal There are many areas within the region that have been disturbed by past grading and agricultural activities. These areas contain a number of annual, weedy species which thrive in disturbed habitats. Some of these areas contain ornamental trees and shrubs from previous dwelling sites, while others had been previously cleared of vegetation and are active- ly maintained, by discing, to control the vegetation. Remnants of eucalyptus plantations occur in this community, especially in the Warm Springs area. b. Wildlife Plant communities within Lake Elsinore provide for a variety of habitats for wildlife including birds, mammals and fish. While some areas within Lake Elsinore are devoid of vegetation, others offer high-quality habitat. Further details on wildlife in the Study Area are found in the Technical Appendix Report. N-7 Open Space/Conservation Element Chaparral is an excellent wildlife habitat providing berries, seeds and a dense covered shelter. Insects within the leaf litter also provide a food source. Typical birds found in the chaparral community are the poor will, rufous -sided towhee, scrub jay, titmouse, the brown towhee, the wrentit, golden crowned sparrow, black crowned sparrow, the California thrasher and California quail. Small mammals can be found within this plant community, including mice, rats, deer, rabbits, squirrels, bobcat and coyote. Mountain lions have been sighted in the isolated portions of the Cleveland National Forest. Rattlesnakes, the side -blotched lizard, fence lizard, red racer snake, patch - nosed snake, San Diego night snake, California king snake, rosy boa, gopher snake and the lyre snake inhabit this community. Bird species observed in the coastal sage community include mourning dove, common rave, roadrunner, ash -throated flycatcher, Costa's hummingbird, phamopepla, bewick's wren, Anna's hummingbird, red-tailed hawk, turkey vulture and American kestrel. The black -tailed gnatcatcher is also found in California sagebrush areas. Several species of lizards can also be found, including side -blotched lizard, western fence lizard, spiny granite lizard, gopher snake, red snake, patch nosed snake, and the red racer. The granite spiny lizard and San Diego gecko occasionally can be found. Rodents and small mammals including the deer mouse, California vole, California pocket mouse, canyon mouse, botta pocket gopher, pacific kangaroo rat, desert woodrat, brush rabbit, Audubon cottontail and the California ground squirrel live in the coastal sage scrub. Larger mammals found in the community include coyote, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, skunk, badger, bobcat and mule deer. The only amphibians expected are the garden slender salamander, Pacific tree frog and the western toad. These species are found in moist areas under rocks. Grassland does not support as diverse a wildlife habitat as many other communities due to lack of diverse vegetation types. Birds obtaining a food source from seeds and insects on the ground include mourning dove, western meadowlark, grasshopper sparrow, sage sparrow and horned lark. Flycatchers, such as the western kingbird and Say's phoebe IV -8 Open Space/Conservation Element are found on grassland borders. Predatory birds prevalent in grasslands include the red-tailed hawk, loggerhead shrike, American crow, common raven, black -shouldered kite, turkey vulture, American kestrel, and owls. Reptiles located in the grassland community include the side -blotched lizard, western fence lizard, red diamond rattlesnake and the gopher snake. The grassland community supports mammal species including the coyote, skunk, badger, weasel and squirrel. Rodents include the San Diego pocket mouse, deer mouse, botta pocket gopher, broad= handed mole, California vole, western harvest mouse, grasshopper mouse and Stephens' kangaroo rat. Riparian habitats provide a high diversity of plant types which support an abundant and diverse wildlife resource. This habitat supports amphibians, reptiles and rodents, including the slender salamander, California newt, ensatina, Pacific tree frog, bullfrog, western toad and red -legged frog. The southwestern pond turtle can be found along stream - courses, especially within the Santa Ana Mountains. Other reptiles include lizards and snakes. Rodents are common in areas where seasonal flooding occurs. This plant community supports rabbits, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, weasels and bobcats, mice, rats, gophers, moles, squirrels, and opossum. Mule deer utilize ,.drainageways for their habitat. The dense vegetation of the riparian woodlands is a signifi- cant and essential habitat for many bird species. Raptors found in this community include the red-tailed hawk, red - shouldered hawk, black -shouldered kite, and the American kestrel. Winter migrants include warblers, kinglets and vireos. The riparian habitat is utilized and important to spring -summer residents including the willow flycatcher, western flycatcher, orange crowned warbler, yellow warbler, the yellow -breasted chat, least Bell's vireo, Anna's humming- bird, black -chinned hummingbird, black phoebe, bushtit, plain titmouse, western pewee, Brewer's blackbird,, and the brown -headed cowbird. Herons have been observed in more open areas. Freshwater marshlands support a variety of faunal species. Bird species include the Virginia rail, black -crowned night heron, marsh wren, tri -colored blackbird, sora rail, Ameri- can bittern, common yellowthroat, the long -billed marsh ry-9 Open Space/Conservation Element wren, redwing blackbird, American coot, egrets, herons, grebes, song sparrow and several species of ducks. Amphib- ian species found in this community are frogs, salamanders and newts. Many of these species require freshwater or semi -aquatic habitats and cannot survive in any other environment. Lake Elsinore supports approximately twelve species of fish which are listed below. Table IV -1 FISH OF LAKE ELSINORE Bluegill Mosquito fish Channel catfish Green sunfish White catfish Largemouth bass Common carp Redear sunfish Crappie sp. lhreadfin shad Golden shiner Tilapia sp. Both the population and variety of fish are abundant at higher lake levels (1,240-1,265 feet) due to the presence of better quality water, and increased plankton population. Flooding of higher lake levels also creates additional shallow water habitat. Shallow water areas provide for spawning and rearing. The shoreline also provides foraging for bird species including the great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, black -neck stilt, American avocet, spotted sandpiper, killdeer and migratory birds. At lower water levels (below 1,240 feet), fish begin to die due to a concen- tration of dissolved salts, algae blooms, and lower oxygen content in the water. SWIM—Walan, onuffiff • • !� Plant, animal species and communities of concern to the California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Diversity Data Base, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, County of Riverside, California Native Plant Society and Audubon Society are included within the biological assessment contained in the Technical Appendices. Communities of concern are assemblages of plant and animal species occurring in the same habitat and having a complex set of interrelationships, or are species that are not currently IV -10 Open Spare/Conservation Element included on a state or federal list of endangered species but may be in the future. The communities of concern are identified on Exhibit W-2. Although the species of concern do not receive the same level of state and federal protec- tion, the CEQA guidelines and the State General Plan guidelines require the consideration of species of concern in land use decisionmaking. Applications have been filed at the federal level to include some of these species on the endangered list. Therefore, loss of these species could be significant in the near future. The plant species of concern were determined by the use of the Natural Diversity Data Base list of special plant species, the County of Riverside distribution maps and the Califor- nia Native Plant Society's rare plant inventory. Based on the review of these reports developed for the Lake Elsinore, Alberhill, Wildomar, Sitton Peak, Steele Peak, Murrieta and Romoland areas, the following are species of concern: Munz's onion, robust prickly poppy, San Jacinto Valley saltbush, thread -leaved brodiaea, Payson's caulanthus, slender -horned spineflower, Pala spine flower, many - stemmed dudleya, Palmer's grappling hook, smooth spike - weed, heart -leaved pitcher sage, Cleveland's buze monkey - flower, California orcutt grass, chaparral pea, Fish's milk - wort, Engelmann oak, Coulter's matilija poppy and San Miguel savory. A more detailed description of each of these species can be found in the Technical Appendix Report. Animal species of concern are reptiles, birds and mammals. Amphibians and reptiles found in the Lake Elsinore area include the red -legged frog, San Diego horned lizard, orange -throated whiptails, western pond turtle and the two- line gartersnake. These species are mainly found in the Santa Ana Mountains, the Elsinore Mountains and the Santa Rosa Plateau. Portions of Lake Elsinore contain habitats which accommodate the special needs for foraging and/or roosting and nesting birds. Riparian forests and marsh habitats are two habitats found in' Lake Elsinore which accommodate birds.Bird species of concern found in Lake Elsinore include white pelican, snowy plover, Califor- nia gull, least bittern and tricolor blackbird. The birds of prey which may be found in the Elsinore area include the bald eagle, osprey, ferruginous hawks, red -shouldered hawk, Cooper's and sharp -shinned hawk, northern harrier, black - shouldered kite, burrowing owl and California gnatcatcher. TV - 11 W • Q f• __ � Q N r Q r • Open Space/Conservation Element BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LEGEND - Exhibit IV -2 Plants of Concern A Allium fimbiratum mumu' Munz's onion Ce Centrostegia leptoceras* * * * Slender -horned spineflower D Dudleya multicaulis* * Many -stemmed dudleya H Harpagonella palm eri + *' * ` Palmer's grappling hook H1 Hemizonia laevis= Smooth ipkeweek Lc Lepechinia cardiophylla" Heart -leaved pitcher sage Rc Romneya coulteri' Matilija poppy Animals of Concern SD San Diego horned lizardk* OT Orange -throated whiptail=' Lb Least bittern WP White pelican' * BE Bald eagle*' *' GE Golden eagle` * OS Osprey* * CH Cooper's hawk** NH Northern harrier* * BSK Black -shouldered kite LS Loggerhead shrike LBV Least Bell's vireo.... GG California gnatcatcher" WF Willow flycatcher" YB Yellow -breasted chat** TC Tri -colored blackbird*' SKR Stephens' kangaroo rat`'" ry-32 Open Space/Conservation Element AB American badger" Communities of Concern Alss Riversidian alluvial sage scrub Asw Sycamore alluvial woodland Cwf Cottonwood willow forest Wrf Willow (usually black) riparian forest Rs Riparian (willow or mulefat) scrub Sb Streambed Lsl Littoral shoreline Orf Southern coast live oak riparian forest " Species of concern Threatened species Endangered species Source: National Diversity Data Base, 1989 Iv -13 Open Space/Conservation Element Riparian birds that are species of concern include the willow flycatcher, yellow warbler, yellow -breasted chat, blue grosbeak, yellow -billed cuckoo and Bewick's wren. The Bewick's wren can also be found in chaparral habitats. Grassland bird species of concern found in Lake Elsinore include the grasshopper and loggerhead shrike. Mammal species such as the spotted bat and the Los Angeles pocket mouse, badger and mountain lion are known to live in southern California and Riverside County. However, information on the distribution of these species is not available. The badger has been reported on the Ramsgate site and within the Temescal area and the mountain lion ranges include the Santa Ana Mountains. Further details on and locations of these species can be found in the Technical Appendix Report. d. Threatened or Endangered Species The Lake Elsinore area contains two animal species, the least Bell's vireo and the Stephens' kangaroo rat, listed federally on the endangered species list of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Federal law prohibits taking, harming or harassment of these species. In order to allow for continued development within the potential habitat of these species, Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) or interim plans have been developed (RECON 1989, SANDAG 1988, 1989) to preserve critical habitat areas. The plans contain specific planning procedures for development near or within the conservation areas. In addition to the endangered animal species, at least one plant is both federally and state listed, the slender -horned spineflower. Habitat Conservation Plans, however, are not developed for plant species. The impact from development on the slender -horned spineflower is usually handled through the CEQA/NEPA and/or wetland regulatory process. The slender -horned spineflower is a low -growing annual (3-6 inches tall) with retrose spines. This species blooms from April to June and has been found in the Temescal Creek, Santa Ana River, San Jacinto River, Indian Wash and the Big Tujunga Creek. In one Study Area, populations are known to occur in Riversidian alluvial sage scrub along Indian Wash. This plant is one of the rarest plants in the region. Plant populations are scattered and small in N-14 Open Space/Conservation Element numbers. This plant has been threatened -by flood control projects, sand and gravel mining and other human distur- bances. As noted previously, plants do not have the same protection as animals and the prohibition on "taking" of the plant does not apply, unless the species is on federal land. Plants which are federal and state listed should be considered in all environmental documentation. 1) Least Bell's Vireo The least Bell's vireo is a small grayish migratory bird that migrates to California in March and April. Historically, the species has nested in California's Central Valley, the interior valleys of the central and southern coastal ranges, the Owens Valley, Death Valley and the Mojave River Valley. Dense ground riparian vegetation (5-10 years old) is utilized for nesting. The existing channel at Nichols Road and the Temescal Wash, especially within Walker Canyon, creates conditions for suitable habitat for this species, Least Bell's vireo has been sighted in the Temescal Wash willow area southwest of Riverside Drive. There is also habitat along Railroad Canyon Road and potentially in several other isolated localities in the Study Area. This bird is in jeopardy of extinction due to development impacts on its habitat and nest parasitism by the local cowbird population. The least Bell's vireo was placed on the federal endangered list in May 1986. Any disturbance to riparian habitats within the range of the species could be considered a "taking." The only exception to this rule is through a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) which evaluates the impacts of a development proposal and proposes mitigation measures to preserve habitat. A comprehensive HCP has been developed by the San Diego Association of Govern- ments for the least Bell's vireo. In addition, specific HCPs have been prepared for each river system containing least Bell's vireo habitat. Major goals of the HCPs are to protect existing habitat in which the N - 15 Open Space/Conservation Element least Bell's vireo exists, enhance that habitat and create new habitat areas. The HCP which pertains to the Lake Elsinore area is the Santa Ana River HCP. This HCP, as well as others, relies on the local review process to ensure compliance in conserving this habitat. Any potential disruption of this habitat will require an ElR and a focused biological study through the HCP. The city is required to conduct HCP compliance review for any project not previously considered in the HCP. Once these studies have been conducted, an HGP permit may be issued for the project and conditions of approval and monitoring requirements are at- tached to the HCP permit. A minimum 150 -foot planning buffer is required around these habitat areas. Within these buffer areas, no streets or projects should be constructed that would generate a noise level above 61 dBA. In the Santa Ana River watershed, Temescal Creek has the most riparian habitat of the river's three tributaries (886 acres) and potentially reclaimable habitat (282 acres). Habitat management and reclamation goals included in the HCP are: ► Identification and mapping of vireo habitat within riparian habitat; ► Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of suitable habitat; ► Nest monitoring and additional biological studies of the vireo; ► Expansion of existing riparian habitat in connection with the mitigation of impacts from individual developments; and, ► Coordination of habitat management with local and regional flood control programs. N-16 Open Space/Conservation Element 2) Stephens' Kangaroo Rat The Stephens' kangaroo rat was placed on the federal endangered species list in November 1988. The rat is a small rodent whose range is found throughout much of western Riverside County, southern San Bernardino County, and northwestern San Diego County. This rat has a large head, exter- nal cheek pouches and five enlarged toes on its hind feet. The animals are solitary and each sex occupies its own territory. These mammals are active only at night. Its reproduction rapacity appears to be low. Populations are small and scattered throughout the present range, occup}►ing a mosaic of sites within apparently suitable habitat. Habitat requirements of the species are grasslands, low vegetation cover of less than 50 or 70 percent of the ground surface, areas adjacent to shrublands, and on gentle slopes and sandy washes. This species has been disrupted by agricultural and urban development. The Stephens' kangaroo rat prefers sandy or loamy soils. Restriction of move- ment from the construction of urban development can greatly reduce the species' ability to reproduce and survive disease. The species' range in Lake Elsinore is generally an area west of the 1-15 freeway east to the sphere of influence boundary (see Exhibit IV -2). The Stephens' kangaroo rat has been identified in Rams- gate and Tuscany Hills, which are within the city. In the Lake Elsinore area, this species is found in the Estelle Mountain, Alberhill and Kabian Park/Canyon Lake area, Steele Peek, Temescal Wash and Cotton- wood Hills. Three proposed reserve Study Areas for the Stephens' kangaroo rat are within the area: Lake Matthews/Estelle Mountain, Steele Peak, and Canyon Lake/Kabian Peak Study Areas. IV -17 Open Space/Conservation Element 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES a. Overview This section provides an overview of biological issues and opportunities within the Study Area. Greater discussion is provided in the biological section of the EIR and Technical Appendices. As discussed in the Existing Conditions section, the Lake Elsinore area contains three endangered species: the slender -horned spineflower, the least Bell's vireo, and the Stephens' kangaroo rat. The slender -horned spineflower is listed as an endangered species by both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the California Department of Fish and Game. Due to the extremely rapid decline of the least Bell's vireo, the species was listed as federally endangered in May 1986 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). The Stephens' kangaroo rat has been listed by the State of California as threatened since 1971. Continued concerns about the survivability of the Stephens' kangaroo rat led this species to be listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1988. Several plant and animal species and communities are of concern to the California Department of Fish and Game (Natural Diversity Data Base), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, County of Riverside, California Native Plant Society, and the Audubon Society. The species of concern in the Study Area are more fully discussed in the Environ- mental Impact Report and are included within the biological assessment contained in the Technical Appendix. Although the species and communities of concern do not receive the same level of state and federal protection as endangered species, the CEQA guidelines and the State General Plan guidelines require their consideration in land use decision- making. Applications have been filed at the federal level to include some of these species on the endangered list. Loss of these species, therefore, could be significant in the near future. Certain plant and animal communities are restricted in distribution throughout the Study Area, and loss of these habitats through buildout of the general plan will be significant. These habitats include sage scrub and riparian ry-18 Open Space/Conservation Element woodland communities, least Bell's vireo, Stephens' kanga- roo rat, and the slender -horned spineflower. The Study Area is divided into zones of high, potentially high, moderate and low biological sensitivity in an effort to summarize the relative importance of the biological resourc- es in the Study Area and define a basis for analysis of impacts. Areas of high sensitivity include those areas containing Down endangered or threatened species. The Stephens' kangaroo rat, least BeII's vireo, and the slender - homed spineflower are located in these areas. Areas of potentially high sensitivity contain biological resources of high quality and which occur relatively infrequently within the region. All of the communities of concern, including riversidian sage scrub, and several riparian forest and woodland communities, are considered potentially high sensitivity biological resources. Some of these communities may contain endangered and threatened species. Areas of potentially high sensitivity have not been studied in suffi- cient detail to determine precise location, extent and quality of -biological resources. Further field investigations will need to be conducted during the environmental review process. Moderate sensitivity areas include those areas which do not contain a large number of species of concern. These include chaparral, grassland and agricultural areas. Loss of significant acreages of this habitat would normally not constitute a significant adverse impact. Areas of low sensitivity contain biological resources that have been substantially altered by man including urban and other disturbed areas. Loss of this habitat does not constitute a significant impact. The Study Area contains areas of all levels of biological sensitivity as depicted on Exhibits IV -1 and IV -2. A significant number of locations which are proposed for development contain areas of high and potentially high habitat value. Development of these areas could create adverse impacts to biological resources. A more detailed discussion of high and potentially high sensitivity resource areas in locations scheduled for development is included in the EIR. N-19 Open Space/Conservation Element Mi • - : 1 . I +S Ma 8: Adverse impacts to vegetation and wildlife are expected to occur as the result of several causal factors originating with the construction, presence, and inhabitation of urban developments proposed in the general plan. General construction activities associated with buildout, such as grading, will result in the alteration or removal of habitats. The construction of drainage channel improvements through the implementation of the Lake Elsinore Management Project may require alterations to intermittent streams containing valuable biological resources. Such alterations would be subject to the required state and federal permit- ting processes summarized below and noted in the Technical Appendix Report. Human activities and the expansion of urban land uses may collectively result in conflict with wildlife habitat due to excessive construction -related noise, background noise, and night time lighting. Furthermore, with development of the general plan, portions of wildlife corridors, as noted in the biological section of the EIR, may be developed, creating fragmented habitat areas. Once habitat range is decreased, food supplies and shelter for these species may be dimin- ished which may result in the reduction of habitat. Natural resources within the Study Area are protected or required to be managed under existing federal and state regulations and review procedures. At the local level, the city may undertake various measures to ensure the integrity of biological resources. 1) Federal Regulations and Procedures The Federal Endangered Species Act provides regulations for the protection of rare, threatened or endangered species. The act requires that potential impacts to listed species be addressed in the environ- mental documentation for a project. The potential loss of a species or critical habitat may be allowed under Section 10 (Incidental Take Provision) of the Act, where the area has been subject to a previously N-20 Open Space/Conservation Element approved Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for that species. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act is administered by the U.S. Army Carps of Engineers. The section regulates the disposal of dredge and fill materials into waters as well as other activities in or affecting water bodies, rivers and wetland areas. An applicant for a 404 permit must demonstrate that there is no practical alternative to the proposed action. The application is reviewed by the Environmental Protec- tion Agency, which shares responsibility with the Corps in implementing the 404 program. The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act requires federal agencies sponsoring or authorizing water development projects to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that the conservation of fish and wildlife resources has been considered in the proposed project. The Fish and Wildlife Service also reviews the project to determine if sufficient measures to compensate potential impacts have been developed. Furthermore, the Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for the conservation and management of both game and non -game migratory bird species, in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty. 2) State Regulations and Procedures The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provides an important conservation tool for local governments. In accordance with CEQA, an envi- ronmental impact report must be prepared for all projects that could potentially impact air and water quality, noise levels, and natural, cultural and scenic resources. CEQA requires that projects affecting sensitive wildlife habitats are to be reviewed by appropriate state agencies. The lead agency must develop mitigation measures to avoid, minimize or rectify significant impacts. If it is infeasible to mitigate identified impacts based on economic, social or other issues, a statement of overriding consider- ations may be adopted. N-21 Open Space/Conservation Element The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and the older Native Plant Protection Act (LAPPA) provide for the listing of endangered, threatened or rare plant and animal species in the state. CESA establishes consultation procedures between state and local agencies and prohibits the taking of any listed species without a permit. The state, further- more, regulates the alteration of rivers, lakes and streams through the Department of Fish and Game 1601/1603 program. 3) Local Regulations and Procedures On the local level, efforts should be made to pre- serve important biological habitats and protect plant and animal species of concern. While implementa- tion of the general plan may result in adverse im- pacts to biological resources, several measures can be taken and protective programs implemented to mitigate the adverse impacts of development and safeguard important biological resources. The city requires that all development proposals include adequate environmental documentation pursuant to CEQA and AB 3180 (Chapter 1232, State Statutes of 1989). Biological studies should provide adequate mitigation measures for identified significant biological impacts. To comply with the provisions of AB 3180, the city may adopt by ordi- nance, within six months of adopting the general plan, procedures for reporting and monitoring all approved mitigation in an environmental impact report. Open space preservation may be viewed as a means of preserving natural/biological resources as a condition of a project approval. Permanent open space preserves may be designated in future specific plan areas for the purpose of protecting identified sensitive biological resources. Moreover, a compre- hensive approach should be taken to conserve continuous areas of open space, including open space linkages between projects, wildlife corridors and trails. The conservation of continuous open space allows for migration and movement of wildlife Open Space/Conservation Element species among localities, which may be necessary for their survival. Linkages connecting several larger open space areas also provide for greater "buffering" from urban development and human activities. Such methods to evaluate and, where appropriate, acquire areas of high biological significance may include the acquisition of Iand by exaction, develop- ment agreement or gift; the dedication of conserva- tion, open space and scenic easements; joint acquisi- tion with local agencies; the transfer of development Tights; lease -purchase agreements; and eminent domain. Candidate acquisition areas of significant habitat include areas along the San Jacinto River, Temescal Wash, and Wasson Canyon. The city may require the preparation and imple- mentation of vegetation management programs for specific plan areas. The plans should incorporate the city's landscape guidelines, provide a detailed plan for fuel modification zones, provide for long-term management of vegetation within open space areas, and provide- plans for the rehabilitation of significant biological resources displaced in the development process. With regard to the least Bell's vireo, the city should coordinate with other agencies to adopt the Santa Ana River Habitat Conservation Plan. This plan would act as a planning and policy guide for projects that would affect the endangered least BeII's vireo and its habitat. While HCPs are not developed for plant species, impacts from development in the habitat of the slender -homed spineflower is usually handled through the CEQA/NEPA and/or wetland regulatory process. Biological studies should be conducted for all Riversidian alluvial sage scrub where the potential for slender -homed spineflower exists. The recom- mended mitigation measures should be incorporated into the environmental documentation. IV - 23 Open Space/Conservation Element C. WATER RESOURCES 1. INTRODUCTION The predominant water features located in and adjacent to the city are Lake Elsinore and the Railroad Canyon Reservoir. Water supply to the lake is provided through two major sources: the San Jacinto River and runoff from small tributaries in the Santa Ana Mountains. The Railroad Canyon Reservoir is located at the mouth of the San Jacinto Watershed and the city is situated around Lake Elsinore. Approximately 45 miles east of Lake Elsinore, the San Jacinto River descends from the San Jacinto Mountains to Railroad Canyon Reservoir. From that point the river flows downstream to Lake Elsinore. The tributaries which supply water to the lake from the Santa Ana Mountains are located in the northwest and southwest portions of the Santa Ana Mountains and in the hills immediately northeast of the city. These tributaries drain from the hills surrounding the lake on to alluvial cones and then into the lake. A portion of Wasson Canyon Creek also flows into the lake. Lake Elsinore is a natural lake approximately five miles long and two miles wide. The lake contains a surface area of 5,950 acres at the 1,260 foot level. The main inflow to the lake is from Railroad Canyon Reservoir outflow. During drought years, additional inflow occurs from the State Department of Parks and Recreation wells at the south end of the lake. The lake receives additional inflows from other major and minor tributaries in the canyons of the surrounding mountains. 2. HYDROLOGY Exhibit IV -3 displays hydrology resources in the Lake Elsinore area, including drainage channels, geothermal, springs, and boundaries of the three basins located in the Study Area. The Lake Elsinore Basin is located in the center and includes the area to the south of the Temescal Basin. The basin is located in the Santa Ana River watershed, and includes all areas which naturally drain into Lake Elsinore. Major tributary areas located in the Lake Elsinore Basin include: Bundy Canyon, Railroad Canyon, Wasson Canyon, Warm Springs Canyon, Leach/McVickers Canyons, and Lake Elsinore. The Elsinore groundwater basin occupies about 26 square miles of the area draining into the lake. A number of submarine springs exist within the lakebed itself and along fault and seismic refraction lines which extend 1V-24 r� w g E3 ' LU Z z Z y Q� 2 J W 2 co Z O m p uj 0� z ! � � � • � '•r Y \ _ F� J�l a r' •� �''Fti'r�• � -� �. 1 Q _j Q •� t Lli W w J LU J '^ iu W cc W O W J W O > Y g JL) W 2 ' W Open Space/Conservation Element along the length of the lakebed. These faults divide the groundwater basin into numerous subbasins. In addition to the submarine springs, the lake is supplied by mineral springs found outside of the lakebed. The Temescal Basin includes those areas to the north of Lake Elsinore which are tributary to Temescal Creek. The basin is located in the Santa Ana River watershed. Three major tributary areas, Arroyo del Toro, Walker Canyon, and Rice Canyon, are located within the Temescal Basin. Natural drainage in the basin is to the north. The Santa Margarita Basin consists of those areas within the Study Area which drain southward away from Lake Elsinore, and which are located in the Santa Margarita River watershed. Major tributary areas included in this basin are the Upper Santa Margarita Basin and Murrieta Creek. 3. GROUNDWATER Water service within the Lake Elsinore Study Area is predomi- nantly provided by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD). The EVMWD obtains groundwater from the Pauba Formation Aquifer located northwest and southeast of the lake, through several active wells. The depth of the groundwater table varies widely within the area of the city. The Willard, Wildomar, and Glen Ivy North faults appear to be major barriers to groundwater flow. Groundwater is encountered at shallow depth only in the immediate vicinity of Lake Elsinore, beneath the lake deposits to the southeast of the lake, and near the lake overflow channel through the downtown area and Warm Springs Valley. The depth to groundwater increases beneath the alluvial deposits to the northwest of the lake. In order to maintain healthful water resource quality, the city should manage lands adjacent to or affecting the lake and other waterways, as stipulated by the Regional Water Resources Control Board. 4. RECLAIMED WATER RESOURCES The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) provides wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Three wastewater treatment facilities exist to service the area and construc- tion is underway on a fourth facility. The Elsinore Valley Regional IV -25 Open Space/Conservation Element Wastewater Treatment Plant and Railroad Canyon Regional Waste- water Treatment Plant are owned and operated by the EVMWD. Making use of treated, or reclaimed wastewater is generally desirable from an economic as well as a water conservation standpoint. At present, the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District is studying alternatives for the use of wastewater effluent from the Elsinore Valley Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and Railroad Canyon Waste- water Treatment Plant. Reclaimed water from the Railroad Canyon Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently being used for irrigation purposes for the Canyon Lake Golf Course. Options for the reuse of treated wastewater include agriculture uses, such as crop irrigation, or landscape irrigation of parks, parkways, golf courses and the I-15 landscaped corridor. Treated wastewater is also being examined as a potential source of water for maintaining the lake's water level at a minimum of 1,240 feet in accordance with the Lake Elsinore Management Project. The city should encourage the construction or expansion of facilities to provide for the reuse of wastewater if determined to be a cost effective alternative by the EVMWD, the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board and the State Health and Services Department. If and when properly treated wastewater is available, the city should require projects to use reclaimed water for irrigation of golf courses, parks and to maintain ponds or lakes to the maximum extent feasible. The city should also coordinate with EVMWD to provide treated wastewater for public parks, parkways and other landscaped corridors. 5. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Development pursuant to the general plan could result in adverse effects upon downstream areas involving increased flooding and/or erosion and sedimentation. Since urbanization involves the construction of streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and buildings, the amount of impermeable land area within the Study Area will increase. An increase in impermeable surfaces associated with buildout of the Lake Elsinore General Plan will reduce the land area available for absorbing precipitation. The consequences of flooding due to impermeable surfaces are discussed more fully in the Flood Hazards section of the Public Safety and Urban Services Element. The city should require the incorporation of adequate erosion control and water runoff measures into development projects that may otherwise impact water resources adversely. Such measures should be reviewed by the IV -26 Open Space/Conservation Element Planning and Engineering Departments and may include sandbagging of newly graded slopes, prompt planting of disturbed areas, phasing of grading and construction activities to minimi e exposed areas susceptible to erosion, and the routing of runoff flows through desilting basins prior to discharge into any watercourse. Future development within the area could also result in long- term changes in the quality of runoff and groundwater. Pollutants associated with urban activities may accumulate in these water sources. Such pollutants may include automobile residue, heavy metals, and eroded soils and street surface degradation. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, nitrogen, and phosphorous could possibly accumulate in runoff from pesticide and fertilizer use on landscaped areas. The city should attempt to mitigate the flow of water pollutants resulting from urbanization. Common methods to minimize water pollutant loads involve requiring erosion control measures at construction sites and implementing periodic street sweeping programs. As a means of water conservation, the City of Lake Elsinore should require all new developments to incorporate water conservation measures into project design to the greatest extent possible. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, the use of plumbing fixtures that reduce water usage (in accordance with Title 24 of the California Administrative Code), low -flow toilets - and xeriscape landscaping which maximizes the use of drought -tolerant plant species, and drip irrigation systems. Flooding of certain watercourses within the city is regarded as a significant public safety hazard as described in the Flood Hazard section of the Public Safety and Urban Services Element. The city should encourage the preparation or maintenance of adequate open space and low -intensity uses adjacent to these waterways. This would serve to reduce flood damage hazards, as well as promote visual and recreational uses, and maintain utilization for wildlife habitats. Structural flood control improvements to the various waterways should be implemented where sheet -flow is a problem or where channeliza- tion is necessary to protect the public's health and safety. D. ENERGY CONSERVATION Energy conservation has become an increasingly important concern at local, regional and state levels of government. The vast majority of current energy supplies is produced from non-renewable resources, primarily from petroleum products. As these resources are depleted, the cost of energy rises and future supplies of energy become N-27 Open Space/Conservation Element less certain. Furthermore, increasing demands upon limited supplies of energy sources has led to a growing reliance on expensive additional power generation plants. 'The .City of Lake Elsinore should promote the conservation of scarce energy resources and reduce the commu- nity's reliance on traditional energy resources. On a community scale, the City of Lake Elsinore can help to reduce energy consumption in a number of ways. By encouraging increases in local employment opportunities, and by providing housing in proximity to employment, commercial, and recreational opportunities, energy consumed in automobile travel can be reduced. Furthermore, reasonable increases in development intensity can often decrease the amount of per unit infrastructure (streets, water lines, sewer, storm drains, and other utilities) required to support land uses, thus leading to a reduction in energy requirements. Opportunities for energy conservation also exist in the design and construction of new buildings. The city should encourage the incorporation of energy conservation features in the design of all new construction, including but not limited to, thermal insulation, sealed gas lines and .solar energy systems. The city may advocate the use of passive design concepts that make use of the natural climate in order to increase energy efficiency. Such features include the incorporation of overhangs, window shading structures, proper window sizing and orientation, and landscaping to the building design. Conservation of current energy supplies can also be accomplished through the physical modification of existing facilities to increase energy efficiency. Such conservation methods include improved insulation of walls, ceilings, water heaters, and pipes in order to reduce heat gain or loss; the use of solar energy systems for water and space heating; the maximization of natural lighting in site design; improved ventilation; and the replacement of mercury vapor street lights with high pressure sodium vapor (HPSV) lights. E. AIR RESOURCES 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS a. Climate The climate of Lake Elsinore is of a mediterranean type which includes a mild climate created by cool sea breezes, which is intermittently interrupted by extremely hot weather N-28 Open Space/Conservation Element and the Santa Ana winds. The winter season is generally from December, through March. The annual mean precipi- tation is 11.6 inches. The dry season is from April through November. Regionally, the Study Area is located in the South Coast Air Basin and lies within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and. the Califor- nia Air Resources Board (CARB). The SCAQMD sets and enforces regulations for stationary air pollutant sources in the basin. The CARB is charged with controlling motor vehicle emissions. In 1982, the SCAQMD and the Southern California Associa- tion of Governments adopted the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the South Coast Air Basin. This plan was required by the Federal Clean Air Act and is intended to guide the attainment of national ambient air quality stan- dards at the earliest feasible date. It is part of the State Implementation Plan submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency. Included in the Plan are a number of stationary and mobile source controls, ride -sharing pro- grams, and energy conservation measures. The AQMP is designed to accommodate a moderate amount of new development and growth throughout the basin. The SCAQMD adopted the latest Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) on March 17, 1989. The AQMP includes a wide range of emissions control measures that, if imple- mented, are projected to lead to attainment by 2007 of all state and federal ambient air quality standards. The 1989 AQMP was approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in August 1989, and will be included in the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also approved the plan in March 1989. The plan now serves as the framework for all future air pollution control efforts in the South Coast Air Basin. In developing the AQMP, all the potential control measures that could be available by the year 2007 were identified and, to the extent possible, their emission reductions were IV - 29 Open Space%Conservation Element quantified. These control measures were categorized into three tiers, based upon their readiness for implementation. The short-term, or Tier I, component of the AQMP is action -oriented. It identifies specific control measures for which control technology exists now. For the most part, these measures can be adopted within the next five years, prior to the next AQNfp update. They consist mainly of stationary source controls that will be the subject of district rules and ARB -adapted tailpipe emissions standards and performance requirements for motor vehicles. Transporta- tion and land use controls and energy conservation measures are also included in Tier I of the plan, to the extent that technology is available to accomplish the emissions reduc- tion targets. Tier I control measures are expected to be implemented by 1993 except for facility construction which may continue up to 2007. Tier II measures include already -demonstrated control technologies, but require advancements that can be reason- ably expected to occur in the near future. When necessary, these advancements are promoted through regulatory action, such as setting standards at levels that force the advance- ment of existing technology, or establishing a system of emission charges that provide an economic incentive to reduce emissions. Tier 11 measures focus mainly on transportation sources and the use of coatings and solvents. All the Tier Il goals are expected to be achieved by 2000 except for transportation facility construction which may continue up to 2007. Tier III goals depend on substantial technological advance- ments and breakthroughs that are expected to occur throughout the next two decades. This requires an aggres- sive expansion of Tier II research and development efforts. After achieving Tier II goals, Tier III measures must be implemented on an accelerated schedule to achieve attain- ment by 2007. C. Ambieni ALr ality Air quality at any site depends on both the regional ambient or surrounding air quality and local sources of air pollutants. Regional air quality results from the release of pollutants N -3o Open Space/Conservation Element throughout the air basin. Mobile or vehicular sources are considered the major source of emissions in the South Coast Air Basin. The South Coast Air Quality Management District divides the air basin into Source Receptor Areas (SRA) in order to compare the air pollutant emissions generated by a project with the emissions currently generated in the area. The Study Area is located within SRA 25. However, the monitoring station within this area (Lake Elsinore Station) only monitors ozone between November 1 and December 31. The nearest monitoring station which measures the majority of pollutants throughout the year is located approximately 20 miles north of the Study Area at the Riverside-Rubidoux Station. Some data was taken from the Perris Station and the Riverside -Magnolia Station. Table IV -2 provides the ambient air quality data for 1985-1988. State and federal ambient air quality standards are provided in Table IV -3. The air quality data indicate that both ozone and particu- lates are the air pollutants of primary concern in the area. Ozone is not directly emitted, but is the result of chemical reactions of other pollutants, most importantly hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide in the presence of bright sunlight. Particulates consist of particles of finely divided solids or liquids such as soot, dust aerosols, fumes and mists. The major aerosols formed in the air are sulfate and nitrate. Particulates result from dust and fume -producing industrial and agricultural operations, atmospheric chemical reaction and combustion. Particulate concentrations are usually higher in the winter, due to meteorological conditions which favor buildup of contaminants and the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. Wherever photochemical smog occurs in areas remote from air emission sources, particulate concentrations are higher during the summer. N-31 9Air Resources BoardCali omia Air , 1 Quality Data, 198r-1988, Vols. XVI -XIX 10 Particulates indicattd in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). All other pollutants indicated in ppm. t 2 Data from Perris Monitoring Station. 12 Expressed as percentage of samples taken from the Riverside-Rubidoux Monitoring Station. 13 Data From Riverside-Rubidoua Monitoring Station. 14 Data from Riverside-Magnoba Monitoring Station. IV -32 Open Space/Conservation Element Table IV -2 AMBIENT AIR QUAL IV Number of Days State/Federal ri 10 11 t n tt Oz Ozone 1985 146/96 (.29) 177/130 (35) 133/79 (22) 161/117 (27) 1987 136/82 (20) 175/122 (.29) 1988 137/82 (23) 189/131(.23) Particulates12 (PM10) 1985 75/18(208) 75/18(208) 1986 1987 79/8(296) 79/8(296) 1988 33/0(137) 85/16(252) 33/0(219) 85/11(252) Nitrogen13 dioxide 1985 1986 0/0(.16) 0/0 (.16) (NOx) 1987 0/0(.16) 0/0(.21) 0/0(.16) 1988 0/0(.19) 0/0(.21) 0/0(.19) Sulfur dioxide (sox) 1985 0/0(.02) 0/0(.02) 1986 0/0(.02) 0/0(.02) 1987 0/0(.02) 0/0(-02) 1988 0/0(.02) 0/0(.02) Carbon monoxide14 1985 (CO) 1986 1/0(14) 0/0(18) 0/1(14) 1987 0/0(13) 0/0 (18) 0/0(13) 1988 0/1(17) 0/1 (17) 9Air Resources BoardCali omia Air , 1 Quality Data, 198r-1988, Vols. XVI -XIX 10 Particulates indicattd in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). All other pollutants indicated in ppm. t 2 Data from Perris Monitoring Station. 12 Expressed as percentage of samples taken from the Riverside-Rubidoux Monitoring Station. 13 Data From Riverside-Rubidoua Monitoring Station. 14 Data from Riverside-Magnoba Monitoring Station. IV -32 Open Space/Conservation Element Table N-3 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS California Federal Pollutant Time Concentration Method Primary Method Ozone 1 hour 0.10 ppm > ultraviolet 0.12 ppm Ethylene Photometry (235 Chemilumi- ug/m3) newence Carbon 9 hour 9.0> ppm Non-disper- 9 ppm Non-disper- Monoxide (10 ug/m3J sive infra- (10 m&/m3} sive spectro6- 20 ppm> red spec- copy 3 (3 mg/m3) troscopy (NDIR) Nitrogen Annual — .053 ppm Gas phase dioxide enrage Gas phase ehemoumi- 1-hour 0.25 ppm chemilu- nescence (470 ug/m3 minescence standard Sulfur diox- Annual — 0.03 ppm (80 ug/m3) ide average 24-hour 0.05 ppm 0.14 ppm (365 Paraosan- (13] ug/m3) Ultraviolet ug/m3) oline fluoresc- ence 1 -hour Suspended Annual 30 ug/m3 Size 50 ug/m3 particulate geometric segregated matter (PM10) mean 24-hour 50 ug/m3 Inlet Hi- Volume 150 ug/m3 Sampler Sulfates 24-hour 25 ug/m3 Methylthy- - - mol Blue Lead 30 -day Avg. 1.5 ug/m3 Atomic ab- - ealendar sorption 1S ug/m3 Atomic ab - qtr. sorption Hydrogen 1 hour 0.03 ppm Cadmium - sulfide (42 ug/m3) hydroxide Stractan - - Vinyl chlo- 24-hour 0.010 ppm Gas chro- - ' ride (2 ug/m3)f matogmphY Visibility 1 observa- In sufficient amount to reduce the prevailing visibility to kss than reducing tion 10 miles when the relative humidity is less than 70 percent. panicles Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District, Air Quality Standards Compliance Report, January 1988. IV -33 Open Space/Conservation Element At the local level, carbon monoxide (CO) is the pollutant of major concern along roadways. This pollutant is emitted by a variety of sources, but is primarily attributed to motor vehicles. While the air quality in the Study Area is influ- enced by pollutants generated throughout the entire basin, CO concentrations can vary greatly based upon local traffic conditions. The ambient air quality data indicate that state and federal standards for CO have generally been attained over the past five years. State and federal CO standards were exceeded locally one time in 1985 and 1988, respectively. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES As noted previously, the existing air quality conditions within the Lake Elsinore Study Area are due largely to emissions generated throughout the entire South Coast Air Basin, especially from the highly populated western areas of the basin. Air quality within Lake Elsinore would generally be quite good without the contribution of pollutants from other areas. This problem is frequently aggravated by inversions which prevent the vertical dispersion of air pollutants. Future development associated with general plan buildout will result in local air pollutant emissions both from short-term emissions associated with construction activities and long-term emissions associated with additional traffic and stationary sources. a. AirQia.lity Management Resolution No. 87-49 (Rule XV) was passed recently by SCAQMD in order to assist in attainment of AQMP standards. The resolution requires that as of January 1, 1990, businesses that employ 100 or more persons shall participate in trip reduction/ridesharing programs. The regulation does not distinguish between full- and part-time employees. This resolution will apply to the project because many of the individual projects will employ more than 100 persons. The Study Area, as a part of the Central Riverside subre- gion, is considered "housing rich," as the ratio of jobs to housing in 2010 for the Central Riverside area is projected I ►ANZI] Open Space/Conservation Element to be .70, while the SCAG jobs to housing ratio for the same year for all subregions is projected to be 1.22. A subregion is considered balanced if its jobs/housing ratio matches the regional average. The city will have a jobs/housing balance in excess of 1A at buildout, while that of the entire Study Area will be less. The city should strive to attain a jobs/housing balance of 1.22 for the total Study Area since this ratio is the regional goal. According to SCAG's Guidelines for Implementing the 1988 SIP Conformity Procedures Related to General Development, a project must demonstrate that it is improving or having a neutral effect on the subregion's job/housing ratio to be in conformance with the State Implementation Plan (SIP). Since the project will add employment in a "housing rich" subregion beyond what is required, a mitigation plan is proposed to offset the negative air quality impacts of the project. A complete discussion and analysis of the jobs/housing balance and proposed mitigation plan is contained in the Air Quality section of the EIR. A list of recommended strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled is also included in the Transportation/Circulation section of the EIR. 1) Construction -Related Exhaust Emissions Heavy-duty trucks, earth movers, air compressors and power generators will be used during the construc- tion phases. The operation of this equipment could result in a short-term increase in air pollutant levels for the project vicinity. The amount of pollutants emitted will depend upon the number, type (diesel or gasoline), and extent of operation of the construction equipment involved with the project. However, it is anticipated that construction exhaust emissions will have only short-term impacts, and will not have a significant effect on state or local air quality stan- dards. N-35 Open Space/Conservation Element 2) Fugitive Dust Emissions Construction activities are a source of fugitive dust emissions that may have a temporary impact on local air quality. Building construction is one of the prevalent construction categories with the highest dust emission potential. Bust emissions typically result from land clearing, blasting, ground excavation, cut and fill operations, and construction of buildings, and infrastructure systems. Dust emissions can vary substantially from day to day, depending on the level of activity, the specific operations, and the prevailing weather. The volume of fugitive dust generated is proportional to the area of land being worked and the level of construction activity. Based upon field measurements of suspend- ed dust emissions from apartment and shopping center construction projects, an approximate emission factor for construction operations is 1.2 tons of fugitive dust per acre of construction per month of activity.0 However, this factor may be high as it was derived for a semi -arid climate (the Study Area is in a mediterranean climate with a lower precipita- tion -evaporation index), moderate silt content (30 percent), and medium activity level (medium activity level is undefined). In addition, SCAQMD Rule 403 requires that every reasonable precaution to reduce fugitive dust emissions shall be taken including periodic watering of construction sites. While these emissions are temporary and the mobile nature of the sources may not cause exposure to a single receptor for long periods, areas nearby con- struction sites may be impacted by fugitive dust which could be considered a nuisance. Compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 will reduce dust emissions associated with construction activities to the extent possible. u Environmental Protection Agency, AP42 Emission Factors, 1977. N-36 Open Space/Conservation Element POP-Mrs—r- . ■� Long-term air contaminant emissions in the general plan Study Area will occur from both stationary and mobile sources. The primary source of stationary emissions will be the combustion of natural gas for water heating and space heating in buildings. In addition, power plants add to regional air pollutant emissions from fossil fuels used to generate electricity. Stationary source air pollutant emissions generated by development of the area will be lower in comparison to generated mobile source emissions. Mobile source emis- sions projected to result from future projects are vehicular pollutants released by increased vehicular traffic. Several pollutants are directly emitted from motor vehicles. Most notable are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulates. Carbon monoxide is the primary pollutant of major concern along roadways since air quality standards for CO along roadways are exceeded more frequently than the other pollutant standards. Table IV -4 provides a summary comparison of total annual emissions for the city's existing land use mix versus total annual emissions for the city's future land use mix. As proposed, buildout of the general plan will add to the total emissions released in the South Coast Basin. Although these emissions are not considered significant in comparison to total emissions in the entire basin, the project contribu- tion to the subregional emissions burden is considered significant. The volume of emissions associated with general plan buildout far exceeds AQMP threshold criteria that specify when a project may impact regional air quality. Therefore, if general plan buildout is to be completed as proposed, all possible transportation control measures should be imple- mented to minimize mobile source air quality impacts. N-37 Open Space/Conservation Element Table IV -4 PROJECT -GENERATED TOTAL EMISSIONS (Tons/Year) Pollutant stationary Mobile Sources(b) Total Emissions Sources(') Existing Future Existing Future Existing Future CO 15 73 205 613 220 686 NOx 78 377 33 105 110 482 TOC 2 10 51 117 53 127 Particulates(c) 2 9 N/A N/A 2 9 sox(d) 5 25 N/A N/A 5 25 (a) Derived using SCAQMD Air Quality Handbook for Environmental Impact Repora, revised April 1987. (b) Derived using CARB's URBEWS #3 model. (c) Particulates are not included in URBEMIS #2 model. (a) SOx is not included in URBEMIS #2 model. F. CULTURAL RESOURCES 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS Exhibit IV4 shows the locations of cultural resources in the Study Area. General archaeological and paleonto- logical studies have been prepared for specific plans that have been proposed or developed within the city or the sphere area. These various studies reveal the existence of numerous resources and sites of cultural and historical relevance in the areas of Tuscany Hills, Ramsgate, Cottonwood Hills, Sur merhill/Canyon Creek and the southwest area. The prehistoric sites are mainly com- posed of milling slicks, single surface finds which gener- ally represented lost or discarded tools, and quartzite and slate flakes. Many prehistoric sites of Native American camps have been recorded in the Lake Elsinore sphere vicinity, with over 120 of these being located in the Southwest Area. Also included within the southwest project area are 13 probable Indian village sites. The most comprehensive study was prepared by the San Bernardino County Museum Association in 1984. This IV -38 4'�titi`•'•ttix+ ti���ti :� .•tib:";$�:'� :��•� � • ;Vti :.� �:� titi�S�yti�•`5'1;.ti ti:ti•,'L.L� . III`I`II • •��\"��tiy�tikl'•',.;:Lti�ti:,''•1 tiff:•. '•:.:•,.:,�., •� ti ' �•;';ti' L I. ti. ti , L•ti NNI O. ��tia•:ii!:itiVi•:.,i� .i ,i jai +:i'�-�''�y' �� 1 s•,l` • f..;ti's H:, ���•::::: a L' • 'lr 3 Open Space/Conservation Element study involved records checks, literature and archival review, and field survey for the proposed Lake Elsinore Management Project. It was revealed that both historic and prehistoric cultural resources are present within and adjacent to the Lake Elsinore Management Project area. The area in the vicinity of the lake outlet may have been a prehistoric habitation site for several hundred years. The probability that subsurface archaeological remains are present in the project area is further supported by the finding of substantial cultural deposits in the testing area known as CA-Riv-2798 during the construction of a baseball field in 1941. The findings indicate that the site may be the remains of an occupation dated between 2,000 to 4,000 years ago, and may possibly yield important information on a very poorly known prehistoric period. Major paleontological resources were identified in the southwest area and Alberhill Ranch area, located in the northeast section of the sphere area. The following rock units in the southwest area contain significant nonrenew- able paleontological resources: Temecula Arks (Pliocene, three million years before present): Important localities have been found recently that contain very significant small vertebrates as well as primitive forms of horse, rabbit, and antelope. 1�nriamndston (Middle Pleistocene, one million years to 450,000 years before present): Large Ice Age mammals such as mammoth, mastodon, horse, camel, antelope and coyote have been found in such sediments and could possibly exist in this area. Pauba Sands n (Early late Pleistocene, 300,000 years before present): Pauba Formation contains more than 30 paleontological resource localities. PIeistocene Alluvium (Late Pleistocene, 10,000 years before present). In the vicinity of Lake Elsinore, recent alluvium has produced fossil horse and mammoth at several sites. Areas of high sensitivity within the Alberhill area include the Silverado Formation, which contains some N-39 Open Space/Canrervahon Element invertebrate and plant material. The fossil plants from this formation have played a significant role in geological and paleontological studies for more than half a century, and hence are considered to be particularly significant. As development occurs in this area, impacts are compensated for through the implementation of recovery programs. These programs include a test phase and a recovery phase prior to grading. Although the entire Study Area has not been investigated for archaeological and paleontological resources, the individual studies conducted reveal the existence of significant artifacts and specimens. These found artifacts and specimens reveal the high potential for further discovery of archaeological and paleontological resources. As uninvestigated project areas are developed, further investigation should occur. mompefflummo. / The Lake Elsinore area contains a variety of architectural styles, including Art Deco/Moderne, Classical Revival, and Mediterranean/Spanish. The majority of structures along Main Street date from the 1920s and 1930s. Although several of the structures have been altered from the historic motif of the period and obscured by new facades, a significant number remain intact. Many of the buildings from this period represent the city's history as a resort town. Several bungalow courts dating from the 1920s, and located along Main Street, apparently served as winter accommodations for visitors from other parts of the United States. These structures are some of the few remaining examples of bungalow courts in southern California. The objectives of the Riverside County Comprehensive General Flan of 1984 with regard to historic and prehistoric resources are twofold. Significant historic and prehistoric resources should be identified and documented, and provisions should be made to preserve representative and worthy examples. Furthermore, the value of these resources should be recognized, and current and proposed land uses for impacts upon these resources should be assessed. Open Space/Conservation Element As recommended in the county plan, a survey of historic resources throughout the county was conducted in 1981 through the coordinated efforts of the County Parks Department, the County Historical Commission, the County Planning Department, and the State Office of Historic Preservation. The Riverside County Historic Resources Survey includes 53 resources determined as significant based upon county -adopted criteria. An inventory of these resources, the California Historic Resources Inventory, has been established and is maintained by the Historical Commission. The inventory is updated as additional significant resources are identified. Moreover, the Historical Commission is responsible for further assessing significant resources included in the inventory to identify those which warrant further recognition or preservation, through registration with national, state or county programs. Such programs include the National Register of Historic Places, California Registered Historical Landmarks, County Point of Interest, and County Historic Preservation District. These programs provide for the recognition, documentation, and marking of significant historic resources. These programs do not, however, provide for the preservation of the resources, with one exception. Those buildings or sites listed with the National Register of Historic Places are protected only if federal funds are involved in the project that will destroy the historic resource. Each surveyed historic resource is eligible for designation to a program or register providing that the site is nominated. Nomination may be initiated by a historical society, various public and private organizations, as well as concerned individuals and site owners. Nomination of a historic resource to a particular program involves a lengthy application process, with the county and applicable state agencies. The nominator is responsible for the research and documentation of the site's history and value. At present, very few historic resources in Lake Elsinore have been nominated for further recognition. The Crescent Bath House, currently known as the Chimes Building (1887), located at 201 West Graham Avenue, has been listed with the National Register of Historic Open Space/Conservation Element Places since 1975. Several sites are currently pending recognition. The Pioneer Lumber Company (127 West Graham Avenue), the Lake Theatre (310 West Graham Avenue), and the Gothic Revival style First Presbyterian Church (105 North Lindsay) are pending status as county landmarks. Several historic resources are located in the Temescal Canyon. The Temescal Tin Mines is recognized as both a state Point of Interest and a county landmark. Several more sites are designated as state historical landmarks in the Temescal area,, including the Serrano Boulder, the Serrano Tanning Vats, Carved Rock, Butterfield Stage Station, Painted Rock, Ruins of Third Serrano Adobe, and Old Temescal Road. Several local historic sites were likewise found within Ramsgate, Summerhill/Can- yon Creek and Tuscany Hills, and the southwest area, mainly relating to the railroad/mining period. However, none of these sites has been placed on any historic listings. Several sites in the Lake Elsinore area are unofficially recognized by the community as significant historical resources. These locally recognized sites are all greater than 60 years old. With the exception of the Chimes Building, the Masonic Lodge, the train depot, the Presbyterian Church, and the Methodist Church, these sites are not included in the California Historical Resources Inventory. Locally recognized historic sites in Lake Elsinore include: ► Delaney Estate - north of Lake Elsinore ► Country Club - Lakeshore Drive and Bushman Avenue ► McPherson House - Skyline Drive ► Butterfield Stage Stop - Riverside Drive, north- west of the lake ► Oddfellows Hall - Ellis Street and Summer Avenue ► Tom Ranch - Rice Street In the downtown area: N-42 Open Space/Conservation Element ► Chimes Building (1887) - 201 West Graham Avenue ► Presbyterian Church (1889) - 105 North Lindsay ► Ambassador Hotel (1887) - 164 North Main Street ► Methodist Church - Main Street at Heald ► Train Depot (1896) - 132 West Graham Avenue ► Elsinore Woman's Club (1925) - 710 West Gra- ham Avenue ► Masonic Lodge - 114 East Graham Avenue At present, the City of Lake Elsinore does not have a historical preservation commission. However, a redevelopment project area has been established for the central business district, with the purpose of implement- ing design guidelines, and reviving the historic character of the area (Historic Elsinore Downtown Plan). The design guidelines seek to ensure that future development and renovation of the downtown area is compatible with historic motifs. The project also proposes to enhance the visual character of the downtown area through architectural treatment, streetscape, signage, and land- scape modifications. The Downtown Business Association, with the aid of the City Council, has played an integral role in the renovation of historic buildings dating from the 1930s and 1940s in the downtown area. These renovations have been financed through redevelopment project funds. The Council has approved the issuance of special low-interest rate loans for the renovation of existing downtown buildings. These loans are available to any owner of a building located in the this area. Buildout of the general plan may result in impacts to historic resources. Development or redevelopment of land uses may involve the actual demolition of, or modification to, historic structures. A minor impact upon historic structures may occur if adjacent parcels to historic strictures are developed with incompatible land uses. N-43 Open Space/Conservation Element 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES It is anticipated that buildout of the general plan will result in direct impacts to archaeological and/or paleon- tological resources. As indicated previously, several studies have been conducted throughout the project area which have resulted in the finding of archaeological and paleontological sites. However, since a comprehensive study has not been conducted for the entire Study Area, the level of significance of these impacts cannot be determined on a citywide and sphere -wide basis. The level of significance has been determined only on sites that have required the preparation of cultural resource assessments through the environmental process. Since the general area has identified resource sites, it is anticipated that further resource sites exist. Therefore, further analysis should be conducted as development is proposed. The city should require that sites proposed for future development be evaluated by certified archaeologists and/or paleontologists in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The city should also require appropriate mitigation measures as defined by Appendix K of CEQA where potentially significant adverse impacts are identified. Additional recommendations, made upon completion of test -level investigation or at the professional discretion of consulting archaeologists or paleontologists conducting test -level work, may be implemented on a project -by - project basis. Historic resources give character and distinction to a community and provide educational benefits for present and future generations. Although few historic resources in Lake Elsinore are recognized as significant by state or national listings or programs, several sites in the area are representative of the city's culture and history, and therefore may be considered as important resources. In order to ensure preservation of Lake Elsinore's heritage with buildout of the general plan, the city should Open Space/Conservation Element promote and encourage the preservation of relevant historical resources. As there is no historic preservation society in Lake Elsinore, efforts should be made on the part of the city to preserve significant sites and structures. The city should consider targeting for preservation the Chimes Building and the sites pending status as county landmarks, including the Pioneer Lumber Company, the Lake Theatre, and the Presbyterian Church. The city may also coordinate with county, state and national organizations and agencies in locating and identifying further historical resources for consideration by registers, inventories, or other programs to promote the preservation of historical resources. As stated previously, none of the special historical listings or programs actually offers protection for the preservation of historic structures or sites. However, designation of a historic resource through locally and nationally recognized programs, may provide protection by means of public opinion or pressure. The public is more likely to rally for a building or site's protection and hence support renovation if the resource has been declared as significant through a particular program. The city may also coordinate with other government agencies in obtaining funds for repair, rehabilitation, and/or restoration of historic places. Funds from the Redevelopment Project and issuance of low-interest rate loans approved by the City Council, both for renovation of existing downtown buildings, should continue to be provided. The city may also pursue federal and state funding to underwrite public and private preservation activities. The city should implement the objectives and policies established under the Redevelopment Project Area to strengthen and maintain the historical character of the downtown area, and ensure that future development and renovation of the area is compatible with historic and architectural themes. Furthermore, variance procedures may be implemented and zoning regulations amended when appropriate to encourage the maximum utilization of historic properties undergoing rehabilitation. N-45 Open Space/Conservation Element G. OPEN SPACE RESOURCES IMPORTANCE OF OPEN SPACE The State of California declares in Government Code Section 65561 that: "...discouraging premature and unnecessary conversion of open space land to urban uses is a matter of public interest and will benefit urban dwellers because it will discourage noncontiguous development patterns which unnecessarily increase the costs of community services to community residents." Furthermore, the state recognizes open space as a diminishing resource, and requires that a city "make definite plans for the preservation of valuable open space land and take positive action to carry out such plans by the adoption and strict administration of laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as authorized by state planning law and other appropriate methods" (Government Code Section 65561). The inherent importance of providing adequate open space is to facilitate the wise use of natural resources; protect public health and safety; and to provide visual and psychological relief from. intense urban environments. Open space lands and uses can be defined in relation to the functions which these lands serve and the benefits derived from the use of these lands. Section 65560 of the Government Code identifies four specific definitions of open space uses as noted below: Open space for reservation of DMMI including. but not limited to, areas required for the preservation of plant and animal life, including habitat for fish and wildlife species; areas required for ecologic and other scientific study purposes; rivers, streams, bays and estuaries; and coastal beaches, lakeshores, banks of rivers and streams, and watershed lands. Open space used for then resources. including but not limited to, forest lands, rangeland, agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for the production of food or fiber; areas required for recharge of groundwater basins; bays, estuaries, marshes, rivers and streams which are important for the management of commercial fisheries; and areas containing major mineral deposits, including those in short supply. ► Open space for outdoor recreation, including but not limited to, areas of outstanding scenic, historic and iv • 46 Open Space/Conservation Element cultural value; areas particularly suited for park and recreation purposes, including access to lakeshores, beaches, and rivers and streams; and areas which serve as links between major recreation and open space reservations, including utility easements, banks of rivers and streams, trails, and scenic highway corridors. ► Open space fQr pylic health_andsq. M, including but not limited to, areas which require special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions such as earthquake fault zones, unstable soil areas, floodplain, watersheds, areas presenting high fire risks, areas required for the protection of water quality and water reservoirs and areas required for the protection and enhancement of air quality. Examples of each of these open space uses can be found in the Study Area. In some instances, an individual open space facility may perform a variety of functions. As an example, the floodway of the Temescal Wash serves to protect the public from flood hazards, as well as partially protect a willow riparian forest that contain nesting sites of the least Bell's vireo. Presently, the primary means of preserving open space in the city is by receiving dedicated parkland or park acquisition fees for residential projects; by securing easements from private property owners; and by regulating the intensity of development on project sites. 2. EXISTING CONDMONS In 1987, Lake Elsinore's inventory of open space lands totaled over 12,800 acres or 75 percent of the city area. This open space can be classified into two primary categories: 1) permanent open space and 2) interim open space. Both of these categories are defined and discussed in the following sections. Exhibit IV -5 shows the open space and conservation areas in the Study Area. a. Permanent Open _Space In general, land uses expected to remain committed to open space usage during the life of a general plan are regarded as permanent open space. These uses in Lake Elsinore are predominantly publicly owned facilities. However, privately owned golf courses and permanent natural open space are planned within the development of approved Specific Plan Areas. IV - 47 LP - X �W ILIA � s � LU N F � N Z W LL LL 4 � � 1, l l�•` ■! ,S ,c W • 7• a O OI 77 00 71. 41 .:'ice': = •' :^ �. •'• C Q �� •.'�, 1, �'y, {/ �•` , i.-` f,• � � • :rte; O LTi ��..fy Y°' _ r �' '•, _ .'• r I' CU W •6�/ . ;= Irk �.• ♦\ ` W UJ 11 _ r ____ •� ~_ JAk LU W W < cp 40 a UJ CL OCL) Open Space/Conservation Element Public parkland comprises the majority of the city's permanent open space. City -owned parks and recreation facilities including Lake Point Park, Swick Park, and other recreation areas currently total approximately 35 acres. Over 200 acres of additional parkland will be dedicated to the city through the specific plans approved to date, including Ramsgate, Tuscany Hills, Summer- hill/Canyon Creek, Cottonwood Hills and Alberhill Ranch. The Parks and Recreation Element further discusses existing and proposed park facilities, as well as establishes the objectives and policies concerning park standards and future park development. The California Department of Parks and Recreation currently operates and maintains three recreation facilities along the lake perimeter including the Riverside Drive Campground, Temescal Wash Day -Use Area, and Four Corners Boat Landing. In addition, the California Department of Parks and Recreation owns and operates Lake Elsinore. The total state park boundary, including Lake Elsinore, is approximately 3,000 acres. Through implementation of the Lake Elsinore Management Project, the lake level will be controlled and maintained at a minimum surface level of 1,240 feet and maximum level of 1,262 feet. This will allow for year-round recreational use of the lake and beach areas. Furthermore, the project will provide a stable shallow water and shoreline habitat for a variety of plant, animal, bird and fish species. The Public Safety and Urban Services Element provides further information on the Lake Elsinore Management Project. The EIR contains a more detailed discussion of the biological resources associated with the lake and shore- line. School playgrounds provide another important form of permanent open space within the Study Area. On the average, one-third of a school site is occupied by buildings and parking lots, while the remaining two- thirds are devoted to recreational activities. The city currently has an agreement with the Elsinore Unified School District to allow general public access and use of playground facilities at the Machado School site. This school vard facility contributes to the local park acreage needed to serve residents at the adopted standard of 5.0 IV - 48 Open Space/Conservation Element per 1,000 residents. Another institutional form of open space are the two cemeteries within the city which provide a source of visual open space. Floodways and associated retention and debris basins are limited as permanent open space in the interest of public health and safety. As discussed in detail in the Public Safety and Urban Services Element, a floodway is the channel of the stream and any surrounding floodplain area that must be kept free of development to minimize increases in flood heights. The floodways in the city for the Elsinore Spillway Channel, Temescal Wash, San Jacinto River and Wasson Canyon Geek have been mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The floodways of watercourses outside the city limits, within the Study Area, have not yet been mapped. Such floodways will be delineated prior to future development in accordance with FEMA standards and regulations. A variety of plant communities and wildlife are associated with the stream channel environments in Lake Elsinore. Such riparian communities as the southern coast live oak riparian forest, the southern cottonwood - willow riparian forest, and the willow or mulefat scrub are found in the Wasson Canyon, Temescal Wash and San Jacinto River channels. A detailed discussion of the vegetation and wildlife resources supported in these riparian communities is provided in the EiR. The city's sphere of influence includes portions of the Cleveland National Forest. The National Forest Service is responsible for the long-term management of recreation activities, vegetation, water and air quality, wilderness resources, fire safety, historical and cultural resources, and land use within the forest boundaries. The use of the forest has increased 171 percent in ten years, which indicates a strong demand for the types of activities and experiences offered in the forest, as well as the close proximity of the forest to the urban growth areas. In 1976, Congress passed the Federal Land Policy and Management Act which provided for the control and management of certain federally owned lands by the N-49 Open Space/Conservation Element Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is currently preparing a Resource Management Plan that encompasses the landholdings in the Study Area. The Resource Management Plan will establish the future uses of the BLM lands. BLM lands are generally managed for a multiple of uses including grazing, mining, recreation and the preservation of natural resources. The Bureau has the authority to sell land for development or exchange land to obtain areas of higher resource value. The Resource Management Plan will also address the establishment and management of a permanent Stephens' kangaroo rat preserve area. The potential reserve areas being evaluated are within the Lake-Matthews/Estelle Mountain area, Steele Peak, and Canyon Lake/Kabian Peak areas. BLM land would be sold or exchanged to acquire the future reserve area. State law provides for the acquisition of easements by purchase, exaction or gift as a means of conserving open space. Such easements are authorized by the Conservation Easement Act, the Open Space Easement Act of 1974, and other open space provisions in the Government Code. In Lake Elsinore, open space easements have been granted or assigned to the city primarily as a means to ,preserve steep slopes and rock outcroppings, wetlands habitats, watercourses, and historic sites. The property owner retains ownership, however, use of the land is expressly limited by the terms of the easement. b. Interim apeD Sp,,ee Interim open space areas are typically privately owned land which is vacant. Land use in this category is designated as interim open space because of the anticipated conversion to urban development at some time in the future. Until such time as development occurs, vacant lands offer temporary open space value. Through the development process, the city has numerous legal mechanisms to ensure that permanent open space uses are created or preserved as identified in the policies and implementation measures of the Open Space/Conservation Element. Open Space/Conservation Element In the 1987 land use inventory, approximately 49 percent Of the city was- considered unutilized, vacant land. Presently, a majority of this vacant land is planned, approved or in some phase of development. Within the approved Ramsgate, Tuscany Hills, and Summer- hill/Canyon Creek Specific Plans, approximately 666 acres are allocated for permanent open space uses. Within the approved Horsethief Canyon, Cottonwood Hills and Alberhill Ranch Specific Plans, over 1,626 acres are reserved for permanent open space in the form of local and community parks, natural open space, lakes, school playgrounds and watercourses. The issues associated with the long-term ownership, maintenance and liability of permanent natural open space lands are discussed in the Issues and Opportunities section. : WUN � Y ■ � Approximately 558 acres in the city are used for agricultural or mining activities according to the 1987 land use inventory. Moreover, substantial mining and agricultural production presently occurs in the sphere area including mining of clay and aggregate, and the production of citrus and other fruit crops. It is estimated that 2,450 acres within Lake Elsinore are potentially irrigable land (Exhibit IV -6). As defined by the Small Reclamation Project Act of 1956, irrigable land is land that can generate sufficient income when irrigated to cover all farm operation expenses and provide a reasonable return to the farm's labor, management and equity capital. Through the funding of the Lake Elsi- nore Management Project from state, federal and local sources, the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District will have sufficient money to develop a water distribution system and provide a reliable source of water to irrigate up to 4,750 acres of land. The Open Space/Conservation Element contains objectives and policies encouraging the conservation of agricultural lands and discouraging the premature conversion of such land to other uses as required by Government Code Sections 51200 et seq. The California Land Conservation Act (Williamson Act) allows counties and cities to establish agricultural preserves as a mechanism to protect agricultural lands. Generally, as N-51 NOW LU U) Oi U) UJ CL LU CL x Fr > ccui uj ch < CL LLJ w< T5 0 J ul i� z z L) < 19 cr cr Z CD LLJ _4Z - NOW Open Space/Conservation Element development approaches an agricultural area, the price of land is driven upwards by owners and buyers speculating on the land's future development potential. An increase in the assessed value of the agricultural land and corresponding increase in taxes charged to the owners encourages the sale of agricultural land for development. Under the Williamson Act, the local agency and landowner agree to continue agricultural activities for at least ten years. In return, the local agency agrees to assess the property at its agricultural rather than market value. Within the unincorporated sphere area, one agricultural preserve is in effect. There are no agricultural preserves within the city limits. Exhibit IV -6 identifies the area of the reserve that is due to expire in May 1990 and the remaining 10 -acre parcel that will continue under the provisions of the Act. Termination of the contract may be initiated by either the property owner or the local agency. 3. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES The designation of open space areas in the Study Area should be based on what is needed to protect such vital natural resources as wetlands, riparian areas, productive lands, and lands containing unique or endangered plants and animals. Permanent open space should also be designated where required to avoid such hazardous environmental conditions as erosion, flooding and seismicity. Protecting natural resources and avoiding hazardous conditions promotes the health, safety and general welfare of the community. Protection does not mean total prohibition of these lands from other uses; rather, it means the wise and managed stewardship of the lands, preserving the natural function of biological systems while allowing compatible development. In some instances, open space areas should be kept free of development. In some instances, such areas can sustain certain types of development without a detrimental impact. The environmental quality of the Study Area is determined by the natural resources present and the use or misuse of those resources. The thousands of undeveloped acres in the Study Area are endowed with diverse and high quality resources as discussed throughout the Open Space/Conservation Element. In evaluating proposed projects, the city should seek permanent open space that maintains or enhances the quality of the environment including the preservation of major N-52 Open Space/Conservation Element ridgelines; canyons containing endangered plant and animal species; rock outcroppings; areas containing riversidian sage scrub, riparian woodlands and other communities of concern; mineral lands; outstanding historical and cultural resources; and lands suited for park and recreation purposes. This comprehensive approach toward the designation and protection of open space lands also includes seeking open space linkages between projects. Contiguous areas of open space function to conserve wildlife corridors, important habitat areas, and significant landforms. A well-planned open space network ensures the proper migration and movement of wildlife, and the survival of plants or animal food_ sources necessary to support a balanced biological community. Furthermore, contiguous areas of open space reduce the competition for food sources within and among species. Larger open space areas offer greater protection from the effects of development and human activities, as well as promote the continuity and stability of the species. As future development occurs, the location, design and construction of land uses and infrastructure will be evaluated in terms of public safety constraints. Floodways, seismic fault zones, geologically unstable areas, and steep terrain where grading may pose a hazard due to erosion should remain in permanent open space. In addition, when the mapping of floodways by FEMA in the unincorporated sphere area is complete, the floodways should receive an open space zoning when such lands are annexed into the city. The city will also evaluate the compatibility of proposed development with adjacent land uses and may require the designation of an open space "buffer" to separate residential districts from industrial and commercial uses. The mechanisms by which the city can pursue the acquisition and preservation of open space are defined in a comprehensive action plan within ° the Implementation Program of the Open Space/Conservation Element. The city may acquire open space by direct purchase, exaction, easement, development agreement, gift, and other means authorized by state law. The primary mechanism used to acquire parkland is authorized by the Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477) which allows the city to impose on a residential subdivision a requirement of parkland dedication or fees in lieu thereof for park and recreation purposes. The on-going maintenance and liability associated with the dedication of permanent open space is a key issue for the city. As noted previously, over 2200 acres of natural open space will be conserved within approved specific plans in the Study Area. The amount of permanent open space will continue to rise as new projects IV -53 Open Space/Conservation Element are implemented. Most of this acreage is proposed for deeding, dedication or open space easement to the city. The -city has several options to ensure that such lands are properly maintained to minimize wildfire hazards, remove litter and maintain fire breaks. The city may form Community Facilities Districts to fund the maintenance of open space lands as well as public facility improvements. The city may opt to fund maintenance costs through a lighting and. landscape district. The city's preferred mechanism is to require a master property owners association or master homeowners association to assume ownership, maintenance and liability of large open space areas within a project boundary. The Open Space/Conservation Plan (Exhibit IV -5) identifies the existing and future permanent open space lands within the Study Area As a growing community, the city has a rare opportunity to plan for and guide the provision of future open space lands. R MINERAL. RESOURCES (Amended Marsch 14, 1995) INTRODUCTION The City of Lake Elsinore and the surrounding area were mined for such mineral resources as arsenic, copper, gold, lead -silver -zinc, manganese, tin, coal, limestone and silica from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. During the last fifty years, clay deposits from the Alberhill area and construction aggregate from McVicker Canyon and Rice Canyon have been the area's most important mineral commodities in terms of tonnage, dollar value, and continuity of production. • While the extraction of minerals is important to the region's economy, the general plan must also balance residential, commercial and other development with mineral extraction activities. Such mineral extraction activity is an interim use which may appropriately shift to residential, commercial or other development in order to accomplish other goals of the general plan. 2. EXISTING CONDITIONS AND ISSUES The policies and implementation programs of the general plan related to the management of mineral resources, are intended to protect mineral deposits for future development and to ensure that ry - 54 Open Space/Conservation Element adverse impacts caused by mineral extraction will be reduced or eliminated. y�ell- o a- n's The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) of 1975 requires the State Board of Mining and Geology and the State Geologist to prepare mineral resource reports that designate mineral deposits of statewide or regional significance. There are two phases to the SMARA's process: classification and designation. Classification is an inventory of select mineral commodities within a defined Study Area. These are areas where adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present or where it is judged that a high likelihood for their presence exists. Designation identifies deposits of regional or statewide significance based on economic value of the deposits and accessibility. Lander SMARA, the city is required to incorporate information classifying or designating mineral deposits within twelve months of receiving the information from the State Mining and Geology Board. "Guidelines for Classification and Designation of Mineral Lands", adopted by the State Mining and Geology Board, require that the State Geologist classify areas into Mineral Resource. Zones (MRZ). The following MRZ categories are used by the State Geolo- gist in classifying these areas. MRZ-1: Areas where available geologic information indicates there is little likelihood for the presence of significant mineral resources. MRZ-2: Areas of identified mineral resource signifi- cance. The MRZ-2 category is further divided on the basis of both degree of knowledge and economic factors. Areas classified MRZ-2a contain discovered mineral deposits that are either measured or indicated reserves; MRZ-2b areas contain discovered reserves that are either inferred reserves (Limited data) or are deposits presently considered sub -economic. Land with an MRZ- 2a classification is of prime importance since it contains known economic mineral deposits. ry-55 Open Space/Conservation Element MRZ-3: Areas containing known or inferred mineral occurrences of undetermined mineral resource signifi- cance. MRZ-4: Areas of no known mineral occurrences where geologic information does not rule out either the pres- ence or absence of significant mineral resources. The MRZ4 classification does not imply that there is little likelihood for the presence of mineral resources, but rather there is a lack of knowledge regarding mineral occurrence. In. addition to providing a means for recognizing the mineral potential of lands in the state, SMARA estab- lishes policies and procedures for the conduct and reclamation of surface mining operations. b. Mineral Resource Areas In 1991, the State Mining and Geology Board published a report classifying mineral resource lands in the Lake Elsinore Study Area and surrounding vicinity16. Of particular interest are the MRZ-2 areas identified for construction aggregate and clay deposits as shown on Exhibit IV -7. The construction aggregate resource areas include sand and gravel deposits in McVicker Canyon, Rice Canyon and Temescal Wash. The mouth of McVicker Canyon has been subdivided and developed, thereby, eliminating this area from consideration as a sand and gravel reserve for the foreseeable future. However, the regionally significant upstream deposits are currently being mined and the disposition of this use over the long term will be addressed in the future La Laguna Estates Specific Plan. The deposits associated with Rice Canyon and Temescal Wash are also being mined. The long term extraction and recommended use of these lands will be addressed in the future specific plans required for these areas. 16 Mineral Land Classification of the Temescal Valley Area, Riverside County, California Special Report 165, 1991, prepared by the State of California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology. N-56 n `: NZ CO cc -i w = LUM W CD f Open Space/Conservation Element Additional construction aggregate resource areas include two crushed stone sites located along Bundy Canyon Road and Railroad Canyon Road. Both have been mined intermittently in the past by the Riverside County Transportation Department and other operators as a source of base aggregate for roadway construction. The Railroad Canyon Road site is located within the ap- proved Cottonwood Hills Specific Plan Area. The Bundy Canyon Road site is within the sphere of influ- ence in an area designated for Very Low Density and Low Density residential use. Significant clay resources are associated with the Alber- hill area in the northern portions of the city. The largest of these deposits lies west of I-15 (Pacific Clay Products) with a much smaller area on the east side of the free- way. The clay deposits associated with Pacific Clay Products have been classified by the state since 1982. The other deposit was added more recently through the 1991 classification study. Since 1895, nearly 14 million tons of clay has been mined in Riverside County and a significant amount of this clay has come from the Alberhill area. In general, the clays of the Alberhill area have been used to pro- duce two main types of clay products. Red -burning, residual clay (the red and white mottled facies of the claystone unit) and some of the green, waxy clay shale are used to make heavy clay products such as sewer pipe, face brick and tile. White "bone clay", fire clay, and the white facies of the claystone unit are used in the production of refractory clay products such as fire brick, flue lining, and pottery. In addition, red "bone clay" is sold directly for cement use. The clay materials extract- ed are stockpiled, blended and processed into market- able items in Pacific Clay Products' kilns on the premis- es. The Pacific Clay Products deposits are located within the Approved Alberhill Specific Plan and Future Pacific Clay Specific Plan Areas. The mining activity is being phased out in accordance with approved permits and the continued use and ultimate reclamation of these lands has been or will be addressed in the specific plans prepared for these areas. The smaller deposit to the N-57 Open Space/Conservation Element NMI east is within the sphere of influence adjacent to the future North Alberh.ill Ranch Specific Plan in an area designated for Mountainous Residential use. The Open Space/Conservation Element Implementation Program includes specific standards and guidelines for evaluating the compatibility of development proposals adjacent to existing mining areas in the city and sphere of influence. L SOEL RESOURCES 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS AND ISSUES The soil types mapped in the Lake Elsinore area are associated with the Cajalco-Temescal-Las Posas, Friant-Lobo-Escondito, Cieneba Rockland-Fallbrook, Hanford-Tujunga-Greenfield and Monserate- Arlington-Exeter Associations (USDA, November 1971). A brief description of each soil association is provided below. The following three soil associations are found in the foothill areas. -a, jalco-Tem es Gal -Las Pos,aaAssociation - This soil association is found in the hilly or steep areas of Lake Elsinore and is generally rocky. Some areas within this association are cobbley or stony. Minor soils of this association, such as those of the Bosanko series are the parent rock for clay formations. Friant-Lodo-Ewondi-d¢ Association - Soils of this association are mainly located on islands of metamorphosed sandstone and mica schist rock in intermediate valleys and in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. The large drainageways between the mountainous ridgelines in this association contain alluvial soils. Ci�neba Rock Lan d--aIlbrook Association - The intermediate valley and the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains contain this soil association which is located on islands of granite rock. Between these rock islands, alluvial fans exist. Rock outcropping occurs sporadically in this soil association. Minor soils of the association are Arlington, Bonsall, Bosanko, Buren, Vista and Visalia. The Bosanko soils are rich in weatherable minerals. The Cieneba soils contain acid gravelly coarse sand. Open Space/Conservation Element The following soil associations are found on the basin floor. These associations have a surface layer of sand and sandy loam on alluvial fans and floodplain. anfQrd --Tu " a- nfi eld A5sod atign - The soils of this association are on short alluvial and floodplain which were created from granitic alluvium that washed down from the upland areas. n r - lin n -Ex - This association occurs on old alluvial fans and terraces. These soil areas are dissected by drainageways that have flat bottoms and steep sides. The soils of this association were formed from granitic alluvium which washed down from the San Jacinto Mountain. Due to the rich alluvial soils that exist within Lake Elsinore, agricul- ture was one of the economic bases for the original settlement of the city. The soil associations which may contain prime agricultural soils include the Hanford-Tujunga-Greenfield and Monerate-Arlington- Exeter. The soils of these association are used chiefly for grain and pasture. With irrigation, truck crops, alfalfa, grain, citrus, fruit crops, and grapes can be grown. Over the last few decades, plans have been approved for development on areas considered to be prime agricultural land, and agricultural land owners have opted to cancel agricultural preserves. The prohibitive costs related to agriculture business operations as well as the growth pressure of Lake Elsinore's urbanization have caused the reduction of existing agricultural uses and conversion of prime agricultural lands (soils). Protecting against the loss of soils from wind and water erosion is an identified goal for development of the general plan. The effects of urbanization include the potential for increased erosion and sediment transport. As vegetation is removed during site preparation and grading activities, soil is exposed and is susceptible to wind and water erosion. The increased velocity of runoff resulting from the construc- tion of impermeable surfaces can also increase the erosive power of storm flows. Therefore, downstream areas may experience increased sediment deposition which can affect water quality and related biological resources. The impacts are considered significant prior to mitigation, and mitigated with the implementation of measures designed to protect against erosion and minimize the short-term and long-term loss of soils exposed during grading and construction. N - 59 Open Space/Consmation Element J. OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT IMPLEMEN- TATION PROGRAM Natural and cultural resources within the Study Area are protected or required to be managed under existing federal, state, regional and local regulations and review procedures as listed below. The city has also adopted ordinances that provide for the designation of open space areas for purposes of public safety, natural resource preservation, recreation and scenic quality. Additional programs or regulations that may be developed by the city to achieve the policies of the Open Space/Conservation Element are specified below. 1. FEDERAL REGULATIONS Key federal regulatory measures and policies which are relevant to the implementation of the city's Open Space/Conservation Element are as follows: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) ► Antiquities Act ► U.S. Historical Sites Act ► U.S. Act for the Preservation of Historical and Archaeo- logical Data ► Federal Endangered Species Act ► Clean Water Act, Section 404 ► Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act ► Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Treaty 2. STATE REGULATIONS Key State of California regulatory measures and policies which are relevant to the implementation of the city's Open Space/Conserva- tion Element are as follows: ► California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) ► AB 3180, Chapter 1232, California Statutes of 1988 ► California Endangered Species Act (CESA) ► Native Plant Protection Act (LAPPA) ► Water Control Policies of the State Water Resources Control Board. ► California Department of Fish and Games policies regarding alterations to bodies of water. ► Provisions of the Subdivision Map Act ► State Mining and Geology Board, Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones and SMARA N-60 Open Space/Conservation Element ► Conservation Easement Act ► Open Space Easement Act 3. LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES The following is a summary of policies, regulations. and other measures which are either in place or could be adopted by the city which would serve to implement the Open Space/Conservation Element goals, objectives and policies. a. The city's zoning ordinance establishes overlay districts that contain additional requirements, limitations and standards to identify and preserve significant natural and cultural resources and to designate open space areas for public safety, recreation and scenic quality. b. Review proposed development to ensure that all neces- sary federal and state permits have been received prior to grading permits or when required by the federal or state agency. C. Provide for the long-term management of high sensitivity biological habitats particularly in development areas adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest and other high fire areas, in cooperation with the County Fire Department, California Division of Forestry, and the U.S. Forest Service. d. Require the preparation of a resource management program for specific plan areas that incorporates land- scape design guidelines, provides a plan for fuel modifi- cation zones and provides for long-term management of significant biological resources within open space areas. e. Continue to utilize the city Landscape and Lighting District as a means to maintain landscaping within the public right-of-way and within other city -owned lands. f. Explore the opportunities available for the development of a citywide recycling program; distribute information to the citizenry on a periodic basis that encourages recycling and identifies the location of recycling facilities. g. Actively support water district programs that promote water conservation throughout the city. ry-61 Open Space/Conservation Element h. Coordinate with the water districts serving the Study Area to evaluate water demand and the supply system periodically to ensure the long-term availability of a sufficient water supply, including proper management of local groundwater resources. i. In conjunction with local water districts and the Califor- nia Department of Water Resources, develop an adden- dum to the city's landscape guidelines that encourages the use of the xeriscape (Iow water usage) Iandscape concept in new development. The addendum should address the following: 1) A plant palette that includes acceptable low water use landscape materials to be used for new projects; 2) Standards which limit turf areas to a specified percent of a commercial or industrial project's landscaping; 3) Guidelines which provide for efficient irrigation systems with irrigation schedules that will be utilized for each season of a year; 4) Utilization of the xeriscape planting concept in model home(s) in new tract developments. Bro- chures or other informational items should also be made available to encourage the use of this concept by new homeowners. j. The city, in conjunction with the local water districts and the California Department of Water Resources, should promote the xeriscape concept by providing for a reasonable combination of the following measures: 1) Develop demonstration gardens at public facili- ties that incorporate xeriscaping. 2) Make available brochures, pamphlets or other informational and promotional techniques that encourage xeriscaping. N-62 Open Space/Conservation Element 3) Make information available on the water cost savings of xeriscape by use of local newspaper or brochures enclosed in water bills. 4) Establish landscape awards for projects that institute water conservation landscaping. 5) Work with the local water districts to establish a rebate program offered for residential and non- residential development that incorporates xeri- scape landscaping. 6) Work with local nurseries to establish a "plant of the month" program that includes native or drought -resistant plant materials k. Continue to work with the EVMWD in establishing a reclaimed water distribution system within the service area to provide reclaimed water for irrigating landscap- ing along I-15 and to potentially irrigate future commu- nity and regional park lands and golf courses. 1. Amend existing codes and ordinances, as appropriate, to require the use of water conservation methods in the plumbing and landscaping of projects. In. Require the preparation of a runoff management plan for specific plan areas that addresses the impacts of water runoff on the lake and water courses, specifies erosion control measures during construction and grad- ing, evaluates project impacts of water disposal on the existing infrastructure, and addresses other issues deemed appropriate by the City Planning Department. Specific consideration to be given to areas adjacent to the lake where management and regulation is necessary to promote healthful water quality conditions. n. Adopt an ordinance requiring all surface mine operators within the city to submit surface mining and reclamation or plans in accordance with state policy prior to the operation of a mine. Surface mining includes surface work incidental to underground mining. The ordinance shall contain provisions for inspecting mine operations and securing compliance with reclamation plans. N-63 Open Space/Conservation Element o. The following guide will be used in evaluating the compatibility of proposed land uses on or adjacent to mineral lands classified as MRZ-2 areas of regional or statewide significance: Inc9mP_.�tiblg: ' Land uses inherently incompatible with mining or that involve public or private investment that effectively eliminate future mining due to the higher economic value of the land and its improvements. Examples of such uses may include: - High density residential - Low density residential with high unit value - Public facilities - Intensive industrial - Commercial Campatible: Land uses inherently compatible with mining or which require a low public or private invest- ment in structures, land improvements and landscaping, and which would allow future mining because of the low economic value of the land and its improvements. Examples of such uses may include: - Large lot rural development (For example: 1 unit per 10 acres) - Low"impact industrial - Recreation (public/commercial) - Agricultural Grazing Open Space p. Require surface mining operators to submit mining and reclamation plans to the city in accordance with the provisions of state or federal laws and city ordinances. Mining plans to include, but not be limited to, infor- mation on the mining operations and the effect of such operations on terrain, natural and man-made slopes, the water table and drainage. Additionally, require mining plans to include plans for the control of erosion and sedimentation, water quality, runoff and flooding, drainage, the protection of fish and wildlife and control of noise, dust, vibration, smoke, odors and lighting. The development of the property as a mining site to conform IV -64 Open Space/Conservation Element substantially with that as shown on the submitted plot plan. q. The operation(s) of all mines to comply with applicable federal, state and city standards. Additionally, mining operations and practices will comply with the standards and requirements of those additional agencies having jurisdiction and control over the mining site, its opera- tions or the operation's environmental impacts. All mining operations to be conducted in a manner that best protects the public's health, safety and welfare from hazards related to the mining operations. r. Implement, through the Subdivision Ordinance or through other appropriate mechanisms, the Solar Rights Act of 1978 which addresses structural orientation for solar access, and includes such concepts as solar ease- ments, functional landscaping, street layout, and architec- tural designs that reduce embodied energy costs. S. Evaluate the control measures recommended by the Air Quality Management District and the Southern Califor- nia Association of Governments as identified in the Final 1989 Air Quality Management Plan. Develop a long-term implementation strategy for those control measures deemed feasible by the city. The local govern- ment control measures to be evaluated include: 1) alternative work weeks and flex -time; 2) employer ride -share and transit incentives; 3) parking management; 4) vanpool purchase incentives; 5) truck dispatching, rescheduling and rerouting; 6) growth management; 7) energy conservation programs; 8) waste recycling; 9) energy pricing, tax and subsidy incentives; 10) prohibition of swimming pool heating; 11) merchant transportation incentives; 12) low emission materials for building construction; and 13) paving of roads and parking lots to reduce fugi- tive dust. N-65 Open Sprue/Conservation Element t. Require comprehensive records search and where appropriate, field survey and mitigation plans prior to approval of development projects in areas anticipated to possess archaeological and paleontological resources. U. Continue to provide a low interest loan program through the Redevelopment Agency for the rehabilitation and maintenance of significant architectural, historical and cultural buildings or districts. V. Implement variance procedures and amend zoning regulations when appropriate to encourage the maximum utilization of historic properties undergoing rehabilita- tion.. W. Evaluate the potential for acquiring federal and state funding to underwrite public and private historical resource preservation activities. X. Adopt a Planned Unit Development ordinance consis- tent with the standards in the Land Use Element to allow the clustering of development and the dedication of open space for conserving natural resources, views, and providing recreational opportunities. Y. Encourage project design which retains in open space those areas which are significant to the management and conservation of natural resources as referenced by Government Code Section 65560, including agricultural lands and property adjacent to agricultural lands. Z. Prepare and adopt a trails master plan as specified in the Parks and Recreation Element. aa. Restricts uses in floodways, control the alteration of floodplain and stream channels, and strictly regulate development in the floodplain fringe, as defaned by the Flood insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), in accordance with the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code Flood Hazard Area and Floodplain Management Ordinance bb. Require grading and construction erosion, siltation and dust control plans and the incorporation of adequate measures into all development projects. Such measures will consider available best management practices W-66 Open Space/Conservation Element (BMPs) and may include sandbagging of newly graded slopes, prompt planting of disturbed areas, phasing of grading and construction activities to minimize exposed areas susceptible to erosion, and the routing of runoff flows through desilting basins prior to discharge into any watercourse. N-67 Parks and Recreation Element Parks and Recreation Element V. PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT A. INTRODUCTION 1. OVERVIEW The Parks and Recreation Element has been prepared and adopted at the option of the City of Lake Elsinore. The importance of this element at the local level is based on several factors, including: No. A widespread interest and need for recreational facilities and activities in response to an increasing amount of available leisure time by the general citizenry. ► The general availability of park facilities and the impres- sion that schools and parks are an important ingredient of the "quality of .life" in an urban community. ► The growing awareness of local citizens that parklands will become more costly the longer acquisition and -improvement is delayed. ► The fact that state legislation permits local jurisdictions to require dedication of parklands from new develop- ments if a parks and recreation element has been adopted and sets forth standards for the establishment of this requirement. A variety of recreational amenities currently exists within and in close proximity to the City of Lake Elsinore, including the lake itself, the adjacent Cleveland National Forest, local and regional parks, athletic fields and access to school facilities. This element includes policy and implementation measures which seek to increase the level of recreation opportunities for its citizenry as the city and region continue to grow. 2. PURPOSE The Parks and Recreation Element is intended to identify park and recreational resources that exist within the city and to suggest ways in which these resources can be preserved or enhanced. The element is used as a guide for the acquisition and development of a city-wide system of parks and recreation areas. V-1 Pants and Region Ekment B. EXISTING CONDITIONS The Parks and Recreation Element provides an inventory of current park and recreation facilities and provides goals, objectives and policies to meet the city's existing and future recreation needs. The City of Lake Elsinore Community Services Department will develop a parks and recreation master plan, including an implementation plan consistent with and supportive of this element. 1. PARKLAND Park acreage per capita standards are developed by each individual jurisdiction to assess current and future needs for park facilities. The national standard is approximately 2.5 acres of parkland per 1,000 population. State guidelines recommend approximately 2 acres per 1,000 population. The County of Riverside recommends one developed acre and 25 natural park acres per 1,000 population. 17 The park acreage per capita standard for the City of Lake Elsinore is 5 acres per 1,000 population.]$ Several existing and future park facilities, including local, regional, state and federal facilities, are located in the Lake Elsinore region, which serve city and area residents. Those parks located within the Study Area are shown on Exhibit V-1 and listed in Tables V-1 and V-2. Table V-1 EXISTING PARK LAND City rk 1. City park - between library and Limited Avenue just west of Main - 2S acres 2. Gediman Park - Main and Graham Avenue - .175 acres 3. Lake Community Center - 310 Graham Avenue (Graham and Langstaff) 4. Lake Point Park/Senior Center - 420 Lakeshore Drive (east of Short Street) - 12.5 acres 5. Machado School Park - Machado and Joy Street, part of Machado School - 5 acres 6. Swick and Matich Park - Poe and Lakeshore - 7 acres 7. Yarborough Park - Flint and Poe Street - 2.7 acres 17 Correspondence with Jeffrey Weinstein, Riverside County Parks Department, February 7, 1990; Riverside County General Plan. 18 City Resolution No. 89-44, August 29, 1989. V-2 Parks and ReaEation Element 8. City Beach Area - Lakeshore Drive between Kellogg and Poe Street - 5 acres TOTAL:- approximately 35 acres L-ake Elsinprcin Area 9. Temescal Day Use/Beach Area - 25 acres 10. Riverside Area Campground - 75 acres TOTAL: 100 acres Ortega Traik Recreation and Park District 11. Butterfield Park - Grand Avenue, Butterfield School - 7 acres TOTAL: 7 acres Cleveland NgOonal F r st 12. Within San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties - a total of approximately 420,054 acres Riverside County Parks Ee rtmen 13. Harford Springs Park - 12 miles southeast of Corona on Gavilan Road - 325 acres 14. Kabian Park - Quail Valley, 4 miles south of Perris on Goetz Road - 640 acres 15. Double Butte Park - 1 mile northwest of Winchester on Grand Avenue - 600 acres Table V-2 FUTURE PARK LAND Farrisgaze Specific Plan Area 1. Community park - 31 acres 2 Neighborhood park - 2.7 acres Cgtion-oodl S2rcifc Pl n Ar 3. Neighborhood park - 5.0 acres (adjacent to 10.6 -acre school) 4. Neighborhood park - 5.0 acres (adjacent to 10.7 -acre school) 5. Parkway park - 4.4 acres 6. Community .park - 27.7 acres (adjacent to 113 -acre school) Alberhill 51&cJFicPLan.Ar 7. Community park - 30 acres 8. School park - 15 acres 9. School park - 15 acres V-3 Parks and • 10. Neighborhood park - 7.3 acres 11. Neighborhood park - 3.0 aces 12- Neighborhood park - 7.0 ages 13. Park/recreation center - 12.8 acres (adjacent to 10 -acre school) 14. Natural community park - 30.1 acres 15. Natural community park - 21.7 acres M. Neighborhood park - 4.8 acres 17. Neighborhood park - 33 acres 18. Open space/park - 37.4 acres 19. Private recreation - 43 acres 20. Private recreation - 6.8 acres SmmCrhill,gnyon Creek 5p -chic Plan Arca 21. Mini park - 1.9 acres 22. Mini park - 1.25 acres 23. Mini park - .95 acres 24. Mini park - .75 acres 25. Mini park - 3 acres 26. Mini park - 2.5 acres ihcr P rks 27. Southeast corner of the city 28. McVicker Canyon alluvial fan area 29. Summer Lake Park 30. North Peak Spec Plan Area (49+ acres) TOTAL: Approximately 330+ acres Based on the City of Lake Elsinore's existing local park facilities and a 1990 population estimate of 15,971, the city's community parkland to population ratio is approximately 2.2 acres per 1,000 population. Therefore, approximately 45 acres of additional parkIand is needed to serve the existing city population at a ratio of 5 acres per 1,000 population. The city's primary tools in acquiring parklands include utilizing development fees as authorized by the Quimby Act (AB 1150) and seeking parkland dedication and/or improvements through the development agreement process. The Quimby Act enables local agencies to require the dedication of Iocal park acreage, the payment of fees, or a combination thereof, as part of the subdivision process. Resolution No. 89-44 of the City of Lake Elsinore'9 is based upon the 19 Adopted August 29, 1989. V-4 Parks and Recreation Element Quimby Act, and requires dedication of land or payment of a fee for park development based upon residential density, and utilizing the standard of 5 acres per 1,000 people. State grant programs for parkland development are also utilized but are not a reliable source of funds. Park operations and maintenance responsibilities are funded through the city's general fund and the landscape and lighting district. The Riverside County Parks Department provides for the regional recreation needs of County residents. Regional parks in proximity to the Lake Elsinore area are located outside the sphere of influence, and range in distance from the city between 5 and 12 miles. The parks contain between 325 and 600 acres each, and for the most part, are relatively undeveloped. The approximately 3,000 -acre lake area within the city is designated as a State Recreation Area, and is under ownership of the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. Implementa- tion of the Lake Elsinore Management Project will result in significant additional usable acreage around the lake. The project proposes improvements to the lake in order to eliminate shoreline fluctuation and flooding, and to upgrade water quality. As well as the construc- tion of a levee and improvements to the inflow and outflow channels, several projects for park and recreation enhancement are planned. Improvements include the development of additional public beaches, offshore fishing areas, and expansion of existing campgrounds. In addition to the Lake Elsinore State Recreation Area, the state also maintains the Lake Perris Recreation Area, located approximately 12 miles from the City of Lake Elsinore. The Cleveland National Forest, located immediately west of the city, is the only federally managed park and recreation facility in the Lake Elsinore area. The forest provides additional recreational opportunities (day use picnicking/hiking and camping) to residents of the region. 2. RECREATION FACILITIES The following section discusses recreation facilities and opportunities in the Lake Elsinore area. The locations of these facilities are shown on Exhibit V-1. - ry �LILILILIm L)rm m RDx oma T m> M c mcn T ;< �m < m r" Cl) c co m Nza mm rm >ZC) ,zOT m m m C_ C > m > m r. < m > ;K Z N_� O D .0 to �;: yi[ m m 3 ]7 > ESQ � L m T -00 N y Za) m 1 z 4 NO cy 4100 - ti '''rv7}[• it :. O...... -" �' �LILILILIm m T m> M c N c x T ;< �m < m c co nL: mm rm >ZC) m m vr. > m > > r. < m > ;K Vi N_� O D .0 to � A � . f - 3 �LILILILIm m T m> M c N c x T ;< �m < m c co nL: mm rm >ZC) m m vr. > m > > r. < m > ;K Vi N_� O D .0 to � A � > > 2 3 ]7 > ESQ � L m T D N y b� m 1 z 4 ' � i. ii i • rte•-i'�-e :r ��- a. Cily gf Lakein r i n Facilities Various community organizations currently sponsor a wide range of sports programs including soccer, youth and adult softball, and Little League within the city. These organizations coordinate with the Community Services Department for use of city park and recreation facilities and area school sites. In addition, the city offers a full range of recreational programs to city residents. Substantial annual growth of these programs indicates increased citizen participation rates in both adult and youth sports activities. Currently, community sports programs are conducted in city park facilities (pools and softball diamonds) as well as available school facilities to accommodate the recreational demand. However, as noted above, several planned developments are committed to providing additional park and recre- ational facilities for the city through the Quimby Act and development agreements. The city is constantly expanding recreation programs. In addition, the city is finalizing a joint use agreement with the Elsinore Unified School District regarding city use of existing school recreation facilities and city participation in the development of future school facilities. The implementation of the joint use agreement and the expansion of recreation programs, will allow a more comprehensive approach towards meeting the recreation- al demand in the city. b. Ortega Trail Recreation and Park District Facilities The Ortega Trail Recreation and Park District is a special recreation and park district. The District's service area includes the following communities and development areas: Wildomar, Sedco Hills, Canyon Lake, Lakeland Village, Good Hope and Lee Lake. Funding sources for the District include: county tax base, 34 percent; augmentation, 16 percent; grants, 34 percent; program service fees, 16 percent. The purpose of the Ortega Trail Recreation and Park District is to provide a program of recreation and leisure -time activities for all persons residing within the district. According to the District, this shall be V-6 W /! A MOTI 10M,U7,707M I I accomplished through the acquisition, development and construction of recreation and park areas and facilities, along with the development of supervised recreation programs. The District offers several programs in the arts, sports, health and fitness, and self -enrichment and improvement. In addition, the District supports other programs and organizations for senior citizens, teens, and children, as well as other members of the communi- ty. The organizations include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Hang Gliding Association, volunteer groups, and ball leagues. The District currently maintains a seven -acre facility at Butterfield School Park. The facility includes child play areas, ballfields, soccer fields, a multi-purpose facility, a child care facility, and restrooms. The District also has an agreement with the School District to utilize the high school's swimming pool, and also rents various school classrooms or gymnasiums to hold a number of its programs. The District anticipates the addition of further parks and facilities to meet the many needs of the growing population in its service area. Facilities planned for the near future will support basketball and volleyball activities, as well as a snack bar and community center. The District plans to utilize community development block' grants to fund these planned facilities. C. County of Riverside _Parks DepartmgnL R_��reation Facilities The Riverside County Parks Department provides for the regional recreation needs of County residents. As previously noted, the County operates three parks in proximity to the Lake Elsinore area, although they are located outside of the sphere area. Harford Springs Park is located directly north of the city, and contains 325 undeveloped acres. Kabian Park is located northeast of the city in Quail Valley, and contains 640 acres, including equestrian trails, a hiking/interpretive trail, and picnic facilities. Double Butte Park is also located northeast of the city, and includes 600 acres of undeveloped parkland. V-7 ' it rr i � - � • u d. rake Elsinore State_ RecreationArea Recreation Facilities The majority of the land occupied by Lake Elsinore is owned by the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, and is referred to as the Lake Elsinore State Recreation Area. While the lake is state property, it is located partially within the City of Lake Elsinore and Riverside County limits. Operation of Lake Elsi- nore State Recreation Area has been the responsibility of the Department of Parks and Recreation's Southern Region offices in San Diego. Field operations, such as resource management, public services, administration, and maintenance are administered through the Los Lagos Area Office located at Lake Perris, along with the unit office at the Riverside Drive area. According to the Lake Elsinore State Recreation Area General Plan of 1984, responsibility for operation of Lake Elsinore State Recreation Area is proposed to be transferred to an entity of local government. Ownership of the land, however, would remain with the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. The state park boundary encompasses nearly 3,000 acres, including three recreation areas which consist of Riverside Drive, Four Corners, and Temescal Wash. The Riverside Drive area covers approximately 75 acres, and has been the prime development in the recreation area with day -use facilities and a large campground. The Four Corners area is undeveloped and consists of about three acres. The Temescal Wash area consists of two contiguous parcels which cover approximately 25 acres. This strip is developed for picnic and beach use. The remaining shoreline is entirely within private ownership. Most recreation activities which occur at Lake Elsinore State Recreation Area are water -oriented, and include boating, swimming, fishing and water-skiing. Camping and picnicking are also popular activities. Future plans, in conjunction with the Lake Management ' Project, include the upgrading of present recreational �J facilities and the creation of new facilities with development of the proposed levee. The Riverside V-8 Parks and Recrrion Element Drive area would be enlarged to include expansion of the existing campground facilities and new boat launching facilities. A new state park, consisting of approximately 35 acres, would be built on the northeastern shoreline, and would provide for swimming, picnicking, and boat launching. Beach facilities would be added at both ends of the main levee, with access provided by a roadway across the top of the levee. The levee top would also be widened to provide for vehicular parking. ���• Ism. 1 i The Cleveland National Forest lies within San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties and totals approximately 420,054 acres. All national forests, including the Cleveland National Forest, are guided by direction from numerous sources. Laws passed by Congress, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, National Forest Management Act, Multiple -Use Sustained -Yield Act, Threatened and Endangered Species Act, .and others provide direction for certain aspects of management. As well as providing for diverse and viable wildlife and plant communities through habitat maintenance and improvement, management goals include the provision of a full range of recreation opportunities. According to the Land and Resource Management Plan for 1986, recreation constitutes a major use of the forest and the need for recreation facilities is expected to increase substantially in all areas of the forest in the coming years. Existing major developed recreation complexes include Laguna Mountains, Fry Creek Observatory, Slue Jay -EI Canso, and San Juan Canyon. The forest maintains five picnic areas, sixteen family campgrounds, seven group campgrounds and two information stations. These sites occupy a total of approximately 412 acres and are capable of accommodating approximately 4,200 persons at one time. Their use accounted for approximately 30 percent of the forest's recreation use in 1980. As of 1986, the use of these facilities was at 80 percent of capacity. Developed facilities exceed their design capacity during weekends in the high use season, while V-9 Parks and Recreation Element weekday use during this same period is typically 10 to 25 percent of rapacity. Overnight camping in areas without developed facilities is permitted in most areas, while day use activities are allowed in all areas of the forest. Hiking and horseback riding are popular activities in the forest; the 1986 plan projects that by 1995 the demand for hiking will increase 110 percent, and the demand for equestrian facilities by 76 percent in the forest's sphere of influence. Lastly, the Cleveland National Forest has 1,560 acres in two 'open" areas and 107 miles open for off-highway vehicle uses. Current off-road vehicle routes are typically destination oriented, with little opportunity for a loop trip. In 1980, forest recreation opportunities were used to 82 percent capacity. According to the 1986 plan, current (1990) recreation use in all areas except semi -primitive non -motorized areas is estimated to be at capacity levels. According to the 1986 plan, demand projections show a need for more developed recreation areas, and for a better balance to be achieved between developed facilities and dispersed opportunities. As funds are available, ' both developed and dispersed recreation facilities will be provided to meet the demand within the capabilities of the land. Emphasis will be on providing facilities and controls to open the recently purchased land in Laguna Meadow to appropriate public use. Planned facilities include the Laguna arrival complex with a visitor center, picnic area, viewing decks, trailhead parking, nature trails, hiking trails and remote camping facilities. Several projects are planned for a later date, including: • An extensive interpretive program; Additional campgrounds and day use facilities (including bicycle trails); ■ Several regional parks on national forest land financed by Orange County; and • Expansion of the Fry Creek recreation area of the Palomar Ranger District to provide additional camping and recreation activities. V-10 Pa*s and Recreation Element With regard to dispersed recreation activities, an expanded trail network will be built to meet the rapidly growing desire for hiking and horseback riding. There is the potential to link county regional trails with the forest trails. There will be an increase in the number of miles of off-road vehicle routes with an emphasis on loop routes. Additional off-road vehicle cross-country opportunities will also be provided by expanding the Corral Canyon. Area from 1,200 acres to 1,800 acres. The Riverside County Parks Department has developed both a regional bike and regional trail master plan for the area. Recreation trails are located within county parks, and also serve to interconnect the parks. It is the county's aim to provide a hiking and equestrian trail system that interconnects County parks and recreation areas, and that provides linkage opportunities between open space areas, equestrian communities and regional recreation facilities. The City of Lake Elsinore does not currently maintain a recreational trail system in the city. Development of trails within the city limits interconnect with those of the county and provide for a more comprehensive trail system.County master planned trails in the vicinity of Lake Elsinore are shown on Exhibit IV -S of the Open Space/Conservation Element. The extension of county trails through the city is the responsibility of the city. C. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Given the magnitude of growth planned in the vicinity of Lake Elsinore, the city is challenged to provide a variety of park and recreational opportunities for both existing and future residents. As noted earlier, the city will prepare a park and recreation master plan to guide the acquisition and development of city park and recreation areas. Currently, over 200 acres of new parkland are committed to the city through approved specific plan areas. The majority of these planned facilities are designated for active recreational uses and will include a variety of facilities designed to accommodate active recre- ational demand (ie., athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, play areas, etc.). The lake itself is a significant recreational resource available to residents of the city and surrounding region. The 1984 General Plan for the Lake Elsinore State Recreation Area identified the ultimate Pa*s and Reae�on Element transfer of responsibility for operation to a local governmental entity. This represents an opportunity for the city to pursue the acquisition, development and use of the lake area for recreational and related uses. In addition to "active" recreational demand, the city is also experiencing increasing demand for more "passive" oriented recreational opportunities and facilities, including hiking trails, equestrian trails, bicycle paths, and hang gliding take -off and landing spots. Given the area's unique physical features, abundance of natural resources, and the city's proximity to the Cleveland National Forest, there are ample opportunities to integrate some of the region's natural and scenic resources with both off-road and on -road trail systems. Off- road trail opportunities are available in open space areas, floodways, steeply sloped areas, and other natural resource preservation areas where concentrated development is restricted. Coordination with federal, state and county agencies could provide for comprehensive trail systems that incorporate many of the area's regional and local park facilities. Development of this system within the city could occur through developer agreements, similar to those being implemented for park acquisition. The city should prepare a trails master plan to provide connections with county trails and meet the demand for hiking and equestrian trail use. The area's physiographic features have made it one of the few places in southern California with favorable conditions for hang gliding. The Lake Elsinore area supports a unique atmospheric condition, referred to as a convergence zone. Excellent flying conditions are created by converging air masses resulting from the combination of a marine layer air mass moving into mountain areas, and bright morning sun. Development in the area, however, has reduced the available landing locations for hang gliding activities, and this trend is expected to continue. Currently, Edward's Canyon and "E" cone area in the Cleveland National Forest serve as sites for take -off launches. A three -acre private parcel along Ortega Highway near Grand Avenue serves as a landing area. While this site is presently under private ownership, it is likely to be developed in the near future, according to a Hang Gliding Association spokesperson. Furthermore, the parcel is only three acres, while five acres is the preferred minimum for landing sites. Required acreage varies based on the pilot's proficiency. A larger landing area, optimally ten acres, would accommodate pilots of diverse skills. A parcel less than this amount may not be sufficient for less j proficient hang gliders. V-12 Through an agreement with the Ortega Trail Recreation and Park District, landing is permitted to a limited extent, often for emergency landings, in the Butterfield School Park. With regard to additional landing sites, future local or regional parks planned within the Lake Edge and East Lake Specific Plan Areas could provide for potential landing Sites. Revenue is also an issue with respect to the provision of park and recreation services. The continued use of "shared cost" and Joint Powers Agreements between the City of Lake Elsinore and other state, county and local agencies to develop park and recreation facilities is encouraged. Opportunities for large scale passive park development may also be available using these mechanisms for lands held by the County of Riverside and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Currently, the BLM is preparing a land use plan, the Resource Management Plan, that will establish the future uses of the BLM lands. Present BLM areas are shown on Exhibit V-1. D. PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT IMPLEMENTA- TION PROGRAMS In order to further the goals, objectives of policies of the Parks and Recreation Element, the city shall consider the following imple- mentation measures. 1. Preparation of a Park and Recreation Master Plan to address the following: ► Facility and park development standards; ► Acreage and facility projections; ► Implementation plan alternatives; ► Park and recreation facility improvement recommendations; ► Construction and maintenance cost projections; and ► Financing plan. 2. Preparation of a Trails Master Plan to address the following: ► Hiking and equestrian trail design and development standards; ► Linkages with county and Ortega Trail/Recreation and Park District trail system; ► Implementation plan alternatives; ► Construction and maintenance cost projections; and V-13 Parks and Recreation Element b. Financing plan. 3. In the interim, the city shall review development proposals for the inclusion of recreational trails consistent with the county master plan system and the impacts of providing said trails upon existing and planned development. 4. Explore additional public and private funding sources necessary to acquire, operate and maintain city park lands and recreation facilities and programs. 5. Explore opportunities for cooperative agreements with the State Department of Parks and Recreation to provide recreational activities and programs, develop and maintain park sites, and acquire park acreage. 6. Explore opportunities for cooperative agreements with the County of Riverside to provide interpretive programs, exhibits and the operation and maintenance of riding, hiking and biking trails. 7. Implement City Resolution No. 89-44 pursuant to the Quimby Act, with consideration of an amendment to allow private park acreage credits, and update in -lieu fees annually as appropriate. 8. Consider entering agreements with school districts to have school grounds and auditoriums available to local residents for recreational use after normal school hours and/or weekends. 9. The city shall pursue the acquisition of Lake Elsinore and initiate cooperative agreements with the State Department of Parks and Recreation regarding lake enhancement actions such as the use of beach land, the provision of concessions, recre- ation facilities, security patrols and the sharing of operation and maintenance costs. V-14 Public Safety and Urban Services Element Public Safety and Urban Services Element VL PUBLIC SAFETY AND URBAN SERVICES ELEMENT A. INTRODUCTION 1. OVERVIEW The Public Safety and Urban Services Element is intended to document potential hazards that must be considered in planning the location, type, and density of development. By identifying the nature and location of potential hazards, the city is able to adopt a land use plan that reflects such hazards and to establish appropriate policies and programs to prevent or minimize injuries, damage to property, and economic and social dislocation. This element also includes information on the abi]ity of the city and other service prodders to offer services and operate facilities at acceptable standards. In response to the anticipated growth within and around Lake Elsinore, the city has chosen to address the maintenance and future provision of essential public facilities and services. The Public Safety and Urban Services Element specifically addresses the following: ► Fire Hazards and Prevention Services ► Crime and Prevention Services ► Geologic and Seismic Hazards Flood Hazards Hazardous Waste Emergency Preparedness Water and Wastewater Services ► Solid Waste Educational Facilities ► Library Services 2. AUTHORIZATION Government Code Section 65302(g) requires the adoption of a Safety Element to protect the public from unreasonable risks associat- ed with seismic hazards, geologic hazards, flooding, fire, hazardous waste, and other public safety hazards. Under state planning law, local governments have the discretion to adopt any other elements or address any other subjects which relate to the physical development of the city. The City of Lake Elsinore has elected to incorporate certain public facilities and services within this element. Once adopted, the goals, polices and programs carry the Public Safety and Urban Services Element same authority as those adopted for subjects contained in the mandated elements of the general plan. Exhibit VI -1 shows the locations of public services and facilities in the Study Area. 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS The Riverside County Fire Department contracts with the California Division of Forestry to provide fire protection services to the Study Area. Fire and rescue stations which carrcntly serve Lake Elsinore and the sphere area are described below. Station #10 is located at 410 West Graham Avenue in the southeast portion of the city. Equipment includes one rescue squad (owned by volunteers), five pumpers, and one breathing support unit (all owned by the county). Personnel is provided on the basis of one fire captain/engineer and one fire fighter, 24 hours per day, seven days per week and six additional personnel 24 hours per day during fire season. This station provides the initial attack to the city core area as well as the northeast and southwest sides of the I-15 freeway from Wasson Canyon Road to Railroad Canyon Road. Lake Elsinore Station #10 rates second highest in responses in the entire county (74 stations total). This station responds to 160 calls per month and was nearing 200 calls per month in 1989. Station #11 is located at 17643 Brightman, west of the city in Lakeland Village. Equipment includes two county -owned engines, and one volunteer -owned squad. The station is manned on the basis of one person, 24 hours per day, seven days per week and supplemented by volunteers. Station #61, Gruwell Street, in Wildomar, is approximately 6.8 miles from the city's downtown area. The average response time from the station to Lake Elsinore is 8-20 minutes. This station provides service to the southeastern part of town. Service includes one pumper and one attack unit and one squad owned by the county. One fire fighter and one fire captain/engineer are provided on a 24-hour basis. Additional personnel are provided entirely by volunteers. VI -2 :frr m® x 4r l' Public Safety and Urban Services Element Furthermore, the County Fire Department can access additional manpower or equipment through the emergency situations mutual aid agreements. Station #5, 28971 Goetz Road, Quail Valley, approxi- mately ten miles east of the city, provides additional fire protection service with one engine and one truck. Other fire stations in the area include Stations 60 and 68, also to the east. All stations are also supplemented by on-call volunteer fire-fighters. Additional fire stations which are planned for the city include the following: Elsinore Station #1 is planned to be constructed, equipped and staffed by July 1991 at or near the intersection of Machado and Lincoln streets. Elsinore Station #2 is planned for completion by July 1992 near Railroad Canyon Road and I-15. As conditions are met, and as justified, an additional fire station (Elsinore Station #3) will be built near Gafford Road and Lost Road in the southeastern portion of the city. Paramedic services are provided by the private company of Goodhew Ambulance Service, located in Lake Elsinore. There is no direct cost to the city for paramedic services. However, the fire department provides basic life support service only. State law requires that the California Department of Forestry be financially responsible for the protection of those watershed, forest and rangelands outside of incorporated cities and federally owned land, as designated by the State Board of Forestry. Riverside County is responsible for all structural fire protection in the unincorporated area of the county and for the wildland areas outside of lands classified as state responsibility. The city is financially responsible for all fire protection within its boundaries. The goal for fire and emergency services response times is currently five minutes for urban areas and six minutes for rural areas. Urban and rural areas are defined as follows: Urban: A broad mix of uses including commercial centers, heavy industrial uses and residential densities of two to 24 dwelling units per acre. Rural: Uses include agriculture, small dispersed commercial and residential densities ranging from one unit per ten acres to two dwelling units per acre. Although the Countywide Information Map contained in the Riverside County General Plan (December 1989) shows that the city VI -3 Public Safety and Urban Services Element is outside a high fire hazard area, several areas adjacent to the city are in fire hazard areas. Due to the city's proximity to such areas, the relatively low annual rainfall, and the occurrence of dry Santa Ana winds, the city is considered to be in an area with a high risk of fire. The Insurance Services Office current standard requirement for fire flow is an average of 2,500 gallons per minute for commercial uses and 1,040 gallons per minute for residential uses. However, fire flow requirements for existing uses have been developed on an individual project basis and range from 500 gallons per minute to 3,500 gallons per minute. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES This element sets forth the city's goal to provide fire protection services at a ratio of one full time fire-fighter per 1,000 persons and a response time of five minutes for urban areas and six minutes for rural areas. Anticipated growth in Lake Elsinore at buildout of the general plan for the current city limits will result in an increase in demand for services and require approximately 130 full time fire-fighters, with additional staffing needed to serve development of the sphere area. Other recommendations for fire protection services were provided in the Fire Protection Study Report and Area Specific Master Plan prepared by Rex Griggs in November 1989. This report does not address general plan buildout, but does address fire and emergency services for the year 2000. Recommendations of this report include the provision of at least three mew fire stations with three person engine staffing, initiation of paramedic operations by July 1992 at Station #10 and an additional paramedic unit at the future Station #2 by July 1994. The report also recommends alternate locations for additional fire stations, additional apparatus/vehicles, and projects estimated personnel/operating costs. These recommendations along with contracting with the Riverside County Fire Department for fire prevention program activities (ie., annual fire safety inspections for businesses and weed abatement programs) will serve to achieve the city's goal of receiving an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of W. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) developed by the city, furthermore, enhances the city's ability to respond efficiently to a major fire disaster. The city will continue to coordinate with Riverside County and the California Forestry Division to minimize potential fire hazards in VI -4 Public Safety and Urban Services Element areas of special concern, including the Cleveland National Forest and areas served below the acceptable fire service response time. C CRIME PREVENTION SERVICES 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS The City of Lake Elsinore contracts with the Riverside County Sheriffs Department for law enforcement services. The Sheriffs Department provides a full range of services necessary to enforce state statutes and the codes and ordinances of the city. The provided services include street patrol, crime investigations, accident investiga- tions, and administrative and supervisory functions. The Sheriffs Department is also represented at meetings of the City Council, Public Safety Commission and city staff. The Sheriff's Department serves the city from its Lake Elsinore substation. The city contracts for 56 hours of service per week or 2-3 full-time officers.20 The officer to population ratio, based on a 1990 population estimate of 15,971 residents, is I officer per 6,388 residents. A new contract being negotiated with the county is anticipated to increase the number of full-time officers substantially. The Sheriff's Department also patrols and serves the unincorporated areas within the sphere area at a basic level of county service. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES This element sets forth the city's goal to provide police protection services at a ratio of 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents. To meet the service level for the existing population, the city would need to contract for a total of 24 full-time officers. Anticipated growth in Lake Elsinore at buildout of the general plan will require a total of 194 full time officers to provide this desired officer -to -population service ratio, with additional staffing required to serve the sphere area. As the property tax base and other sources of revenue to the city improve with new residential and commercial development, a higher level of service may be provided. 20 According to Deputy McLellan, Riverside County Sheriff Department, December 1989. VI -5 Public Safety and Urban Services Element The crime rate in Lake Elsinore is considered to be above average by the Sheriffs. Department in terms of the criminal and non- criminal activity. Burglary, which is one of the most common serious crimes in Lake Elsinore, can be discouraged through the implementation of the "defensible space" concept. Defensa`ble space increases the visibility and recognition of suspicious persons or happenings by neighbors or law enforcement officers. The use of proper lighting, the location of doors, windows and landscaping to permit surveillance, the provision of sufficient access; and the use of burglary -resistant hardware are important crime prevention techniques. In addition to design measures aimed at creating defensible developments, road improvements can be made that may reduce the number of accidents and driving violations that occur within the city. Uniform road widths and signalized intersections where warranted can reduce the potential for accidents and moving violations. Furthermore, the provision of adequate off-street parking in commercial areas and near public facilities can minimize parking violations. D. GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS The city is located within the Elsinore Valley, which is a northwest trending trough bordered on the north by the Temescal Mountains, and on the south by the Elsinore (Ortega) Mountains. The northeastern edge of the basin is bordered by the Sedco and Cleveland Hills, which are a part of the Temescal Mountain Range. The structural geology of the Lake Elsinore area is dominated by northwest trending faults which comprise the Elsinore Fault Zone. The major faults within the Elsinore zone are the Glen Ivy North, the Wildomar, and Willard faults (Exhibit VI -2). In addition to these major faults, minor cross -faults are present in the western and southeastern portion of the Elsinore Basin. The Elsinore Fault Zone separates the Perris Block to the north and Santa Ana Mountains Block to the south. Concern about the growing number of structures located on or near active and potentially active faults led the state of California to enact the Alquist-Priolo Geologic Hazards Zone Act of 1972. The Act was revised in 1975 and renamed the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone Act. This act requires that geologic studies must be undertaken prior to the approval of structures for human occupancy located within VI -6 ■ �� opy�N��i � /. � i,• 7 O mN �.. �`�: � /' S•- :yam .:.. e• �i - r � .} A. ,1 ' � •fir - HOZ m y ��Z-4 ..:_:. ; :3 i ' p I ZzmZ 4 � � ;�,ir - >> Ir.r- 090, �• .. ZEN N N N C Cl) T Z=! $DIm m r�i Ci -gym y O ? Oy FT -4 m Z p N T V! v x N N ■ Public Safety and Urban Services Element "special study zones." The geologic studies are to determine the precise location and necessary setbacks from identified faults. "Special studies zones" are strips one-tenth of a mile or more wide along each side of faults recognized as active by the State Geologist, within which the danger of fault rupture is presumed to exist until otherwise demonstrated by direct investigation. Active faults are those with known movement during the past 11,000 years. Potentially active faults are those with known movement during the past two -to -three million years. The Alquist-Priolo Act prohibits the development of structures for human occupancy within 50 feet of an active fault which has ruptured the ground surface. One Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones exists within the Study Area, along the fault in the southeastern portion of the Wildomar fault (Exhibit VI -2). Applications for development within areas containing these special study zones will include geotechnical reports, including recommendations for mitigating the proposed development in adequate detail to meet the requirements of the Alquist-Priolo Act. Such geotechnical recommendations may include measures which will have a significant influence upon the ultimate configuration of a given project's land use plan (eg., extensive setbacks of development, structural restrictions which limit the types of development which may occur, etc.). The lowest portion of Elsinore Valley is occupied by the lake. From the edge of the lake, the basin floor slopes gently upward to the southwest, southeast, and northwest, terminating abruptly at the mountainous basin borders. The basin floor primarily consists of recent alluvial deposits which are poorly consolidated sediments (clay, silt, sand and gravel) deposited by streams flowing into Lake Elsinore. The presence of alluvial materials indicates a greater potential for seismic -related hazards from groundshaking, lurching, liquefaction and slope failure than might be expected in areas where bedrock is located closer to the surface. Table VI -1 lists the major seismic activity in the Lake Elsinore area. A total of approximately 73 seismic events have occurred in the Lake Elsinore area since 1956. VI -7 Public Safety and Urban Services Element Table VI -1 LAKE ELSINORE SEISMIC EVENTS 1935 4.0 1938 5S 1954 4.1 1956 4.7 1962 4.1 1971 42 Source: California Technological Institute, December 1989. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUIJITMS The suitability of land for development is influenced strongly by the presence of certain geologic and seismic hazards. These hazards range from the direct and indirect effects associated with earthquakes including groundshaking, fault rupture, ground lurching, liquefaction, slope failure and inundation from dam failure. Each of these geologic risks places constraints on land use by 1) restricting the location of buildings, 2) requiring structural modifications to existing buildings, and 3) increasing the construction cost of housing and other uses to mitigate or avoid such hazards. The general nature of various geologic and seismic constraints to development and the relationship of those constraints to Lake Elsinore is described below. This information is based on the Geologic and Seismic Report prepared for the city by South Coast Geologic Services, Inc. in July 1989. a. Seismic ShakinY The most widespread effect and the overall greatest cause of damage in an earthquake is groundshaking. The energy released by movement along a fault travels as shock waves through the earth's crust. The severity of ground motion at any given location is related to the amount of energy released, the distance from the earthquake epicenter, and soil conditions. In general, 21 Only events of 4.0 and above are listed. VI -8 Public Safety and Urban Services Element the larger the magnitude of an earthquake and the closer a site is to the epicenter, the greater the effects on the environment. However, as shock waves pass through loose, unconsolidated geologic materials, the amplitude of the waves is greater than associated with dense, consolidated rock. Urban development within areas of poorly consolidated alluvial deposits is likely to experience a greater degree of groundshaking and more damage than in hillside areas during an earthquake. It should also be noted that the Glen ivy North, Willard, and Wildomar faults which present the greatest potential in seismic activity, traverse the alluvial soils of the community. The intensity of seismic shaking can be measured in terms of Richter magnitude or Modified Mercalli's intensities. The Richter scale objectively measures the magnitude (energy released) in an earthquake. The Modified Mercalli scale subjectively measures the effects of earthquake intensity at specific locations. 'Thus, while an earthquake will have a magnitude of one, it wilt have several intensities based on varying levels of damage in different areas. The Modified Mercalli scale describes the effect on human life ranging from I, "not felt," to XII, "damage nearly total." b. Surface Rupture The sudden horizontal or vertical displacement along an earthquake fault, may occur far enough below the earth's surface where such displacement is not visible. However, fault movement often extends to the earth's surface where ground rupture or displacement occurs along the fault plane. The extent of surface rupture is dependent upon the fault's length and the magnitude of the earthquake. The major active faults in the Elsinore Fault Zone have a high potential for ground surface rupture. The rupture is predicted to range from a few inches to a few feet, with both a vertical and horizontal offset. V1-9 Public Safety and Urban Services Element The phenomenon known as lurching results in cracks and fissures in the ground at places other than directly along faults. Ground lurching is caused by shock waves or seismic activity stressing and breaking earth materials. Unconsolidated materials, such as those comprising alluvial soils, are most susceptible to lurching. Due to the large number of major and minor faults in Lake Elsinore, and the preponderance of alluvial material in the basin, both city and sphere areas are subject to ground lurching. d. Liquefaction Liquefaction is the substantial Ioss of strength of poorly consolidated and saturated soils due to the effects of seismic shaking. The passage of seismic waves through such soils can cause soil particles to be suspended temporarily in water, creating conditions very similar to quicksand. Structures located in these areas may be subject to displaced foundations, structural damage or collapse. The potential for liquefaction is partially determined by the depth of groundwaters. In the Lake Elsinore area, the groundwater level and poorly consolidated alluvial materials in the floodplain area and valley floor create areas susceptible to liquefaction. e. Seiches Seiches are periodic oscillations of water in confined basins, typically caused by earthquakes. Seiches are potentially hazardous when the wave action created in lakes or swimming pools is strong enough to threaten life and property. A seiche in Lake Elsinore could occur during an earthquake, causing the lake level to rise by ten inches to twenty feet. The lake shoreline, and areas around the Temescal Outflow channel, could be impacted severely. vI-10 Public Safety and Urban Services Element ■ ■■ Landslides are the downslope movement of geologic materials. Typically, such movement occurs as block glide (in which slope failure occurs along a planar surface and the mass of materials slides as a single block) or as a slump (in which slope failure occurs along single or multiple surfaces and the mass of materials slides in a rotational motion). The stability of slopes is related to a variety of factors, including the slope's steepness; the strength of geologic materials in terms of resistance to the downslope stress of gravity; the characteristics of bedding planes, joints, and faults; surface water and groundwater conditions; changes in loading (eg., building construction); changes in vegetation (eg., wildfire, grading, and overgrazing); exposure to weathering; and susceptibility to disturbances such as seismic shaking. Public safety in the event of an earthquake or other geologic disaster is promoted by the provisions of the city's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). EXISTING CONDITIONS Regional flood control planning and facilities construction are within the jurisdiction of the Riverside County Flood Control District. The district is also responsible for the maintenance and operation of flood control facilities including debris dams, storm channels, and storm drains. The district's facilities may be characterized as the "backbone" system of flood control for the region. The City of Lake Elsinore also owns and maintains certain flood control facilities in the city which are generally constructed as part of the drainage plans for individual projects. The city ensures that the construction of these facilities is consistent with the master plans of the Riverside County Flood Control District. a. FloodiU The Flood Insurance Study prepared in 1980 and revised in 1987 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency VI -11 Public Safety and Urban Services Element (FEMA) identified and studied the following flooding sources in the city: I. Arroyo del Toro 2. Channel H 3. Elsinore Spillway Channel 4. Lake Elsinore S. Leach Canyon Channel 6. Lime Street Channel 7. McVicker Canyon 8. Ortega Wash 9. Ortega Channel 10. Rice Canyon 11. San Jacinto River 12. Stovepipe Canyon Creek 13. Temescal Wash 14. Wash G 15. Wash I 16. Wasson Canyon Creek The location of these flooding sources is indicated on Exhibit VI -3. These sources are distributed among three drainage basins in the area: the San Jacinto Basin, the Lake Elsinore Basin and the Temescal Basin. The Lake Elsinore and Temescal Basins contain the tributaries that drain the Santa Ana Mountains and the hills to the immediate northeast of the city. The San Jacinto River is the major drainage course in the San Jacinto Basin which drains the San Jacinto Mountains located 45 miles east of the city. The hydrology section of the EIR provides a detailed description of the drainage patterns within each of the basins. The purpose of the Flood Insurance Study was to investigate the existence and severity of flood hazards in the City of Lake Elsinore and to establish a flood insurance program to be administered by the Federal Insurance Administration. Three types of actual and potential flooding conditions exist within the Study Area: flooding in defined watercourses or water bodies, sheet flow, and inundation flooding from dam failure. VI.12 Public Safety and Urban Services Element The San Jacinto River is the major watercourse within the city. Runoff during a 100 -year flood is contained within the riverbed upstream of Interstate 15. Below that point, the flow during a 100 -year flood presently causes flooding over portions of Railroad Canyon Road. The 100 -year flows from the San Jacinto River also cause the lake level to rise substantially to an elevation of 1,267 feet, expanding the lake area by more than 3,300 acres. This large floodplain area varies from several hundred feet to several thousand feet as the result of the broad and gently sloping valley floor of the lake. Trailer parks located in the southwest and west side of the lake are partially inundated by the 100 -year flood elevation. Flooding is exacerbated by the low capacity and high elevation of the Temescal outlet which is intended to accommodate floodwaters of the lake and carry the waters through Temescal Wash. Floodwaters cannot be released from the lake until the water elevation rises above the outlet channel which is at the 1,260 -foot elevation. The Temescal Wash is a gently _sloping earth ditch of limited capacity from the lake outlet to Walker Canyon (near the Nichols Road/I-15 interchange). When the lake outflow exceeds the capacity of the wash, the channel overflows and creates a shallow, slow- moving lake behind the downtown area of Lake Elsinore and in the Warm Springs Valley area. Encroachment of residential and commercial development along areas of the channel subject to flooding is substantial. The disastrous flood of 1980 caused the condemnation of more than 100 homes, and property damages to residen- tial, commercial and industrial uses in the downtown area were $34 million. The Temescal Wash, from Walker Canyon to the Prado Dam area, winds through numerous canyons and has limited flow capacity. In general, the outflow of the lake under current conditions does not move quickly and thus, Lake Elsinore does not drain effectively. Flooding also occurs from the flow of Wasson Canyon Creek as water flows over Camino del Norte and f. spreads out due to an irregular flow line and the lack of any defined channel banks. Backwater forms behind the �✓ Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway bridge and Vt - 13 Public Safety crud Urban Services Element extends upstream past the Collier Avenue weir crossing at depths of nearly six feet. Sheet flow is a flood hazard that exists in developed areas below the mouths of Leach Canyon, McVicker Canyon, and Rice Canyon. Fully improved, 100 -year design channels have been constructed for Leach Canyon and several other washes. However, these facilities do not provide adequate upstream control at the mouth of the canyons. As a result, only a portion of the flood- waters are picked up by the channels and the remaining runoff is in the form of sheet flooding towards the lake with depths of more than one foot. Flooding from Rice Canyon results from the failure of an earth berm located at the mouth of the canyon. Failure of the dike allows expansive sheet flooding in a southwest direction into Lake Elsinore, at depths of less than one foot. Flooding generated in McVicker Canyon results in sheet flow on the alluvial fan below the mouth of the canyon. In the lower reach, these flows combine with those of Leach and Rice Canyon to create an expansive area of shallow sheet flooding on the western side of the lake. The potential of floodwaters carrying debris was determined to be high by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Channel H, Leach Canyon, Lime Street Channel, Ortega Channel, and Rice Canyon. Flooding problems also exist in the Sedco Hills area, east of Mission Trail. Sheet flooding at low levels during rainy periods occurs in many areas of Sedco Hills, washing out streets and flooding property. Inundation of property and the potential loss of life due to failure of the Railroad Canyon Dam is a hazard in the Railroad Canyon Road area and the eastern floodplain of the lake. Railroad Canyon Reservoir is located in the Canyon Lake Hills development northeast of the city. The reservoir, constructed in 1927, captures the waters of the San Jacinto River, which is the primary drainage course of the San Jacinto Mountains. The capacity of the reservoir is approximately 12,000 acre- feet. The Railroad Canyon dam is a concrete arch dam. The city's subdivision code requires that the boundaries VI - 14 Public Safety and Urban Services Element of the inundation hazard area be identified and noted on all final maps prior to approval. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES a. Lake Elkin re -Man agement Pr4jgci The fluctuation of the lake from periods of being completely dry to periods of severe flooding has resulted in minimal benefits to the surrounding community from this natural resource. In April 1984, the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District applied to the federal government for funds to construct new facilities and rehabilitate existing facilities to stabilize the lake level and enhance recreational and agricultural uses. A contract between EVMWD and the United States Bureau of Reclamation was entered into on September 23, 1985 that established the funding sources for the Lake Elsinore Management Project. The project is -intended to accomplish the following water conservation objectives: 1) Water Qualily Improvemen: The project will reduce evaporation losses and increase the circulation of fresh water throughout the lake; lower the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), which minimizes the potential for fish - kills; and ultimately improve water quality. 2) Irrigation Water SUPPI, : The project will serve up to 4,750 acres of irrigable land located primarily in the Lee Lake area through the construction of a water supply pipeline. 3) Flood Control Protection: The project will lower the 100 -year flood elevation from 1,267 feet to 1,262 feet. In addition, the frequency of flooding in the back basin (east end of the floodplain area) will be reduced to the 50 -year flood and larger events. The flood protection measures include lowering the Temescal Wash outlet channel to 1,252 foot elevation; constructing a main levee 17,800 feet long with a top elevation of 1,266.5 feet, and constructing an inlet channel Vt - is Pub& Safety and Urban Services Element to discharge water from the San .larinto River into the north side of the lake basin, These improvements will allow for the controlled management of the lake level at a minimum surface level of 1,240 and maximum 1,262 -foot elevation. 4) : Improve- ments will be made by the California Depart- ment of Parks and Recreation within the state park boundary area Proposed improvements are discussed in the Parks and Recreation Element and include the expansion of recreation and campground facilities, new boat launching facili- ties, and creation of beach facilities at both ends of the main levee. 5) Eisb and1411ldlife Enhanctment: The project will include 330 acres of wetlands consisting of 100 acres of islands, 200 acres of wetland water area and 30 acres of buffer. A 50 -acre shallow fish habitat will be built within Lake Elsinore. The Lake Elsinore Management Project Final Mitigation Plan details the wetland plan. The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority will manage the design and construction of the Lake Elsinore Management Project. All improvements, including the creation of the wetlands, are scheduled to be finished by the end of 1991. Once construction is complete, the operation and management of Lake Elsinore will be carried out by the Lake Elsinore Management Authority (LEMA) which consists of the following six agencies: ► Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District ► Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority ► California Department of Parks and Recreation ► County of Riverside ► City of Lake Elsinore P. Redevelopment Agency of Lake Elsinore VI -16 Public Safety and Urban Services Element These six agencies entered into a Joint Powers Agreement on November 14, 1988. The Agreement specifies the common powers of the agencies to manage and operate the lake. The land use powers of the City of Lake Elsinore will be solely retained by the city and the redevelopment agency. b. Floodplain Management The Federal Emergency Management Agency, through the National Flood Insurance Program, publishes Flood Insurance Rate Maps which show the flood insurance zones and areas within 100 -year and 500 -year flood boundaries as shown in Exhibit VI -4. Small areas within the flood boundaries may lie above the flood elevations and, therefore, may not be subject to flooding. - These small areas are not shown on the floodplain map. Flood insurance zones are listed below. Zone A Areas of 100 -year flood; base flood elevations and flood hazard factors not determined. Zone AO Areas of r shalluw floodin where depths are between one (1) and three (3) feet; average depths of inun- dation are shown, but no flood hazard factors are determined. Zone AH Areas of r h] i w flon where depths are between one (1) and three (3) feet; base flood elevations are shown, but no flood hazard factors are determined. Zone Al A30 Areas of 100 -year flood; base flood elevations and flood hazard factors determined. Zone A99 Areas of 100 -year flood to be protected by flood prQI,ction system under gon_ i n; base flood elevations and flood hazard factors are not deter- mined. VI -17 u1 Public Safety and Urban Services Element Zone B Areas between 100 -year and 500 -year flood limits, areas where contributing drainage area is less than one square mile and areas protected by a levee from a base flood. Zones A through A99 were used to determine flood- plain of 100 -year and 500 -year flooding and flood boundaries for 100 -year and 500 -year floodplains. The location of these zones is shown on a floodway map prepared by FEMA which is available at the city. Encroachment on floodplain, such as artificial fill for development, reduces the flood -carrying capacity and increases flood heights. To address this hazard, the Federal Insurance Administration has divided the 100 - year floodplain into the floodway and floodway fringe. The Land Use Plan enclosed herein shows floodway areas in the Study Area. The floodway is the channel of the stream and any surrounding floodplain area that must be kept free of development to minimize increases in flood heights. The floodway fringe is that area upon which development may occur without increasing the water surface elevation of the 100 -year flood more than one foot at any given location. Exhibit VI -5 is a cross section of the 100 -year floodplain that delineates the flooding and floodway fringe. The floodways for the Elsinore Spillway Channel, Temescal Wash, San Jacinto River and Wasson Canyon Creek are incorporated into the Land Use Plan. The definition of this designation is provided in the Land Use Element. FEMA has not delineated floodways for Stovepipe Canyon Creek, Arroyo del Toro, Rice Canyon, McVicker Canyon, Leach Canyon, Wash G, and Wash I due to the unpredictability of the watercourses and the irregularity of the sheet flow. Development within the 100 -year floodplains for these areas must comply with the floodproofing standards established by FEMA. The floodplain limits within some undeveloped areas of the city's sphere have not been established by FEMA. The Temescal Wash outside the corporate boundaries is one of these unmapped floodplain areas. According to the Riverside County Flood Control District, FEMA will VI - 18 LEGEND INCREASE IN FLOOD HEIGHT NOT TO EXCEED 1 FOOT AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION AREAS OF FLOOD PLAIN THAT COULD BE USED FOR DEVELOPMENT BY RAISING GROUND 300 -YEAR FLOOD PLAIN FLOOD ELEVATION BEFORE ENCROACHMENT ON FLOODWAY FRINGE FLOOD ELEVATION AFTER ENCROACHMENT ON FLOODWAY FRINGE SOURCE: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Flood Plain Section LAKE ELSINORE GENERAL PLAN rTv nc, i A vc CI C1AIr%0= EXHIBIT VI -5 Public Safety and Urban Services Element r i begin delineating the floodplain of the Temescal Wash sometime in 1990 from the City of Corona, through the Lee Lake area - and continuing southeast to Walker Canyon. .011 t+ The flood control improvements to be completed for the Temescal Wash and San Jacinto River have been discussed in a previous section under the Lake Management Plan. The sheet flooding and other flood hazards associated with the Rice Canyon, McVicker Canyon and Leach Canyon drainage area are addressed in the West Elsi- nore Master Drainage Plan prepared for the Riverside County Flood Control District in 1989. The new facilities include a debris basin in McVicker Canyon, concrete channels, and concrete reinforced pipes, which are designed to carry the flows of the 100 -year flood. The facilities are to be implemented concurrent with development. The Mello -Roos Community Facilities District financing mechanism will be the method of funding the improvements. The Riverside County Flood Control District has also prepared the Sedco Master Drainage Plan which was adopted in 1981. This master plan covers a six square mile drainage area that produces significant runoff from the Sedco Hills. The improvements include a retention basin, underground concrete pipes and open channels to contain flows. The facilities are being implemented as funds become available from tax revenues, grants and other sources used by the District. As part of the improvements to the Temescal Wash outflow channel, funds are being allocated for flood control improvements in Wasson Canyon. The District has planned for a debris basin and channehntion of flows from Wasson Canyon Creek south of the Ramsgate project. These improvements will collect and contain the 100 -year flood flows and carry the waters into the Temescal Wash. VI - 19 Public Safety and Urban Services Element The City of Lake Elsinore reviews development proposals and associated drainage plans to determine if FEMA standards and regulations are met. The city also reviews projects to ensure that proposed drainage improvements are compatible with any applicable county and city flood control facilities. Proposed projects that affect existing or planned county flood control facilities are sent to the Riverside County Flood Control District for review and approval. An agreement between the District and the property owner is typically entered into for the construction and maintenance of new facilities. Public safety in the event of major floods is promoted by the provisions of the City's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). F. HAZARDOUS WASTE 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS At present, there are no commercial hazardous waste management facilities located anywhere in the County of Riverside. All hazardous waste generated in the county must be managed either onsite or shipped out of the county. Of the ten facilities responsible for generating the majority of hazardous waste, none are located in the City of Lake Elsinore or the Study Area. Passage of the Tanner Bill (Chapter 1504 of the Statutes of 1986) prompted the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in 1987 to pass a resolution (Resolution 87-78) calling for the preparation of the Riverside County Hazardous Waste Management Plan (1987). The county -wide plan provides for a comprehensive system of hazardous waste management. The Tanner legislation stipulates that the County Hazardous Waste Management Pian (CHWMP) include the following: ► An analysis of the hazardous waste stream generated in the county; ► A description of existing hazardous waste facilities and their current capacity; Public Safety and Urban Services Element ► An analysis of the potential for reducing the volume and hazard of the waste at the source of generation; ► A consideration of the need to manage hazardous waste produced by businesses and households; ► A determination of the need for additional hazardous waste facilities; ► The identification of existing facilities that can be expanded and areas where the siting of new facilities may occur; ► A statement of goals, objectives,* and policies for the siting of hazardous waste facilities and the management of wastes through the year 2000, and a schedule for plan implementation. The County Hazardous Waste Management Plan has just recently been approved by the State Department of Health Services. State law requires that cities either adopt the County's plan or prepare their own plan within 180 days of the State's approval (SB 477). With the adoption and implementation of an aggressive waste reduction program as outlined in the draft county plan, future hazardous waste generation levels within the county by the year 2000 will not support commercial offsite hazardous waste treatment or repository facilities. Projected generation figures indicate that the county may need a hazardous waste storage and transfer facility to increase the efficiency of hazardous waste management in the county. Proposed routes for transporting hazardous wastes will be addressed in the final draft county plan. The siting of any hazardous waste facility in Riverside County will be coordinated with the Southern California Waste Management Authority (SCHWMA) and based on the "fair share" concept. Fair share requires that every city and county in the region accept responsibility for the management of hazardous wastes in an amount proportional to the hazardous wastes generated within the city or county. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNMES The City of Lake Elsinore will decide either to create a city hazardous waste management plan or to adopt the county's plan. If VI -21 Public Safety and Urban Services Element the City of Lake Elsinore chooses to adopt its own hazardous waste management plan, the plan may include guidelines and standards for siting facilities, waste generation, waste treatment and disposal, and criteria concerning surrounding land uses. Such provisions will serve to protect the health and safety of persons living and working in Lake Elsinore. As an alternative, the city may adopt the county's plan by ordinance or by amending the general plan and incorporating the regulations and standards. G. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS The City of Lake Elsinore adopted the Plan ,EOP) of 1982 to meet the requirements of the California Emergency Services Act of 1951 (Section 8550 et seq., Government Code). The plan designates responsibilities to local personnel in the event of an emergency resulting from a natural disaster such as a windstorm, an uncontrolled tire, a flood, an earthquake, an accidental chemical or hazardous waste spill, or a state of war emergency. The objectives of the EOP are listed below: ► To minimize loss of life and property due to disaster or unusual situations; ► To assure prompt and effective application of resources in response to emergency conditions; ► To accelerate restoration of facilities and services of government and government regulated utilities; ► To provide assistance to the public during all phases of a disaster situation within the limitations of existing legislation and resources. While the EOP is the authority for emergency actions within the city by city officials, it recognizes and supports the general concepts contained within Riverside County and the State of California Emergency Plans. The City Emergency Corps is the organization created to approach the emergency problem, under the command of an Emergency Corps Commander. The City Manager would function as the Emergency Corps Commander, and would be responsible for l'i IS FI -01 Public Safety and Urban Services Element direction of civil defense or disaster operations. All city officials and agencies are members of the City Emergency Corps. During a "state of war emergency" the City Emergency Corps also serves as part of the Riverside County Disaster Corps. Disaster operations will be conducted by these forces, supplemented as needed by trained auxiliaries and manpower available to the city. The Communications Centers of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the Riverside County Primary Emergency Operating Center receive direct notification of a foreign attack. Other information related to nuclear attacks, accidental launches or threats of nature will also be relayed to these centers. Warning to the public will be accomplished through various media, including verbal announcement via the radio, a public address system, and mechanical noise devices (sirens, whistles, horns, etc.), as well as through the Emergency Broadcast System. In the event that the United States is in a state of war, the State of California has prescribed a series of `Readiness Conditions' (REDCONs), with the purpose of advising state and local government officials and employees of the seriousness of international situations which may develop, and to recommend actions to be taken. REDCON 4 is in effect during normal peacetime conditions. REDCON's 3 through 1 will be invoked by the Governor or his authorized representative and disseminated to all state, county and city agencies for appropriate action. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is a facility to be used for the centralized direction and control of the emergency organization in case of a disaster_ It is activated and staffed to the extent required when a REDCON or alert warning is received. The EOC complex is located in City Hall, with adjoining facilities at 130 South Main Street. The City Council chambers normally will serve as the center site. When deemed necessary, an `Incident Command Post' nearer to the scene of a peacetime disaster may also serve as a temporary EOC. The EOC may be activated, partially or totally, upon the following: ► Indications of an attack on the United States, or declaration of war. ► Upon declaration of an emergency, either local or state. } When time is critical and decisionmakers need to be `J convened in order to expedite emergency actions. VI -23 Pubkc Safety and Urban Services Element In addition to designating responsibilities to local personnel in the event of an emergency, the Environmental Operations Plan also contain information regarding -the organization and administration of disaster response efforts in the event of an earthquake or other major accidents or incidents. The procedures and responses include debris removal, evacuation, and emergency communications; law enforcement, fire protection and rescue; health services, welfare and shelter services; and various public works emergency procedures. In response to emergency situations, disaster relief aid may be provided by the state through the Natural Disaster Assistance Act, and by the federal government through Public Law 93288, as amended. Furthermore, mutual aid may be utilized in accordance with the Master Mutual Aid Agreement. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Several activities may be undertaken in support of the Emergency Operations Plan. The city should periodically review and update the EOP and, in cooperation with the State Office of Emergency Services, conduct countywide emergency preparedness drills to maintain efficiency and identify any deficiencies in the plan. The city may encourage all potentially hazardous industries and large-scale industrial, commercial, residential and institutional organizations to prepare disaster preparation plans. Such plans will enable the city to respond more effectively to and recover from a hazardous event. Expansion and further coordination of community programs that train volunteers to assist police, fire, and official recovery personnel during and after a major disaster will also serve to deal more effectively with an emergency. Lastly, public information programs and citizen involvement in disaster preparedness planning is encouraged in order to promote a more informed and capable public. R WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS a. Water Supply andFgZilities Water service within the Lake Elsinore Study Area is predominantly provided by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD). The Elsinore Water District (EWD) is a smaller district within the VI -24 Public Safety and Urban Services Element area that provides domestic water to the Country Club Heights and Lakeland Village area. The EVMWD presently obtains groundwater from the Pauba Formation Aquifer located northwest and southeast of the lake, through 10 active wells. According to the Water Master Plan for the EVMWD, the groundwater supplies 75 percent of the total demand within the District.. However, the natural replenishment to the aquifer is reported to be insignificant and the long-term production capability of the groundwater source is unknown. Supplemental water is purchased by EVMWD from the Western Municipal Water District who contracts with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California. The untreated water is obtained from the Colorado River and is stored in the Railroad Canyon Reservoir and treated at EVMWD's Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant. The total avail- able supply of water to EVMWD is presently 20.6 million gallons a day. In 1987, only 7.7 million gallons a day were consumed. Residential uses comprise 75 percent of this water consumption total. To accommodate anticipated development during the next 20 years, the EVMWD plans to complete facilities and purchase supplies from Eastern Municipal Water District. This supply of water will be available to the area prior to 1995. EVMWD's existing water distribution system includes 28 service levels, 32 storage reservoirs, 32 booster pumping stations, four hydropneumatic stations, and mains from 36 inches to two inches in diameter. The Elsinore Water District supplies water to Lakeland Village through two wells and a supplemental connection to EVMWD's water supply. According to the Limited Master Pian for EWD prepared in 1989, the total supply of domestic water for the Lakeland Village area is barely adequate to meet the current demand for water. The District supplies water to the Country Club Heights area through one well which pumps groundwater into a collector tank and then boosts the water to the Arnie Reservoir located east of Riverside Drive. Two other wells that are part of the Country Club system are not in VI -25 Public Safety and Urban Services Element operation. Both the Lakeland Village and Country Club system of EWD have high and low water pressure problems. In general, the pressure problems are due to the elevation changes in the areas combined with an inadequate water distribution network. Recommended improvements to the system include new transmission lines and construction of intermediate reservoirs. Such improvements would provide appropriate water pressure for residential use and eliminate the hazards associated with low pressure for fighting fires. b. Wastewater F i Wastewater collection and treatment facilities are primariiy provided by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) for the Study Area. Three wastewater treatment facilities exist to service the area and construction is underway on a fourth facility. The Elsinore Valley Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and Railroad Canyon Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant are owned and operated by the EVMWD. The Farm Treatment Plant is privately owned and operated. A fourth plant is being constructed to service the Horsethief Canyon development in the northwest corner of the Study Area. Currently, the Farm plant and the Railroad Canyon plant are operating well below capaci- ty. The Elsinore Valley plant is under expansion to serve the planned communities of Ramsgate, Summer- hill/Canyon Creek, Tuscany Hills, and Cottonwood Hills. Only ten percent of the Study Area is presently served by centralized wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Existing development within the remaining ninety percent of the area is served by septic tanks. The EVMWD has prepared a Wastewater Master Plan that identifies the preliminary layout and sizing of sewers and the treatment plant expansion required to service the entire Study Area to the year 2010. Septic tanks either involve a leach line system where wastes are percolated in an adjacent field or bed or the use of a seepage pit which is a vertical cylinder underground. Residential, commercial and industrial uses are currently on a septic tank system in the city. New developments are required to connect with the VI -26 Public Safety and Urban Services Element wastewater system if the project is within 200 linear feet of a sewer line. Existing development for septic tanks is not required to connect to the sewer system unless the septic system ;fails and causes a hazard to the public's health and safety. The city may also require existing development on septic tanks, within 200 linear feet of new sewer lines, to extend and connect to the system if a building permit is requested for improvements to the property. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES a. Water Services The master plans for EVNfWD and EWD determine the adequacy of the water supply and distribution facilities to satisfy present and future requirements. The combined capacity of EVMWD's water supplies will provide 39.2 million gallons per day by 1995 without depletion of any groundwater resources. This capacity is anticipated to be necessary to accommodate growth by 1995. If growth rates are higher during the 1994-1995 period than projected in the master plan, water availability may be a constraint to planned development. The level of development at probable buildout of the general plan is estimated to create a demand of 56.2 million gallons per day in the total Study Area. This figure was derived from the water consumption factors listed in the following Table VI -2, and the anticipated number of dwelling units and square feet for each land use per the Land Use Element. VI -27 Public Safety and Urban Services Element Table VI -2 DAELY WATER CONSUMPTION FACTORS • • r a Residential: Mountainous 500 gallons/du. Very Low Density 500 gallons/du. Low Density 500 gallons/du. Low Medium Density 400 gallons/du. Medium Density 400 gallons/du. Medium High Density 300 gallons/du. High Density 300 gallons/d.u. Mixed Use (residential) 300 gallons/d.u. Non -Residential: .053 gallons/SF Neighborhood Commercial 3,000 gallons/acre Tourist Commercial 3,000 gallons/acre General Commercial 3,000 gallons/acre Commercial/Office 100 gallons/1,000 SF Mixed Use (commercial) 3,000 gallons/acre Freeway Business 100 gallons/1,000 SF Limited Industrial 100 gallons/1,000 SF Business Park 100 gallons/1,000 SF Public/Institutional .053 gallons/SF Parks 4,000 gallons/acre Scbools 60 gallons/student Maximum buildout will result in substantially more demand upon water facilities and supplies. However, development pursuant to probable buildout is most likely to occur, and sizing of facilities and provision of water supplies to accommodate development at maximum buildout may result in overcompensation. EVMWD is planning to secure a maximum supply of 58.6 million gallons per day by the year 2010. Therefore, it is anticipated that the city and sphere area's ultimate demand for water will be met by EVMWD. In the area served by Elsinore Water District, additional wells or purchase of additional water from EVMWD is needed to establish a firm supply to accommodate new development. The master plan for EWD is a 5 -year plan that accommodates only a portion of the potential development in Country Club Heights, and a probable VI - 28 Public Safety and Urban Services Element level of development at buildout of the Lakeland Village area. The improvements to the distribution system including storage facilities, booster pumping stations, and distribution mains needed to carry future water supplies are detailed in the EVMWD and EWD master plans. The general plan contains land use patterns, development intensity, and other related matters that will provide necessary information to the water districts for updating the master plans. In addition, the city can provide periodic building activity reports and approved development plans to assist in prioritizing construction or improvements of facilities. b. Wastewater Servicer s The master plan for EVMWD determines the required wastewater collection and treatment facilities to serve existing and future development. Buildout of the general pian at a probable level of density and intensity is estimated to generate a total of 34..2 million gallons of wastewater per day in the total Study Area. This figure was derived from the consumption factors listed in the following Table VI -3, and the anticipated dwelling units and square feet for each land use per the Land Use Element. Maximum buildout will result in substantially more demand upon wastewater facilities, and provision of adequate facilities may be a constraint to development at maximum density and intensity. However, as noted in the discussion of water supply, development pursuant to probable buildout of the general plan is most likely to occur. Therefore, sizing of facilities to meet the needs of development at maximum buildout would result in overcompensation. VI.29 Public Safety and Urban Services Element Table VI -3 DAILY WASTEWATER GENERATION FACTORS Residential: Mountainous 250 gallons/du. Very Low Density 250 gallons/du. Low Density 250 gallons/du. Low Medium Density 25 gallons/du. Medium Density 250 gallons/d.u. Medium High Density 250 gallons/d.u. High Density 250 gallons/du. Mixed Use (residential) 250 gallons/d.u. Non -Residential: Neighborhood Commercial 1,500 gallons/acre Tourist Commercial 1,500 gallons/acre General Commercial 3,000 gallons/acre Commercial/Office 50 gallons/1,000 SF Mixed Use/Commercial 1,500 gallons/acre Freeway Business 50 gallons/1,000 SF Limited Industrial 50 gallons/1,000 SF Business Park 50 gallons/1,000 SF Public/Institutional .027 gallons/SF Parks 2,000 gallons/acre School 30 gallons/student The EVMWD master plan provides for an ultimate treatment capacity of 36.1 million gallons per day average. A portion of this capacity is available to the District area outside the sphere of influence. PIanned growth by the County of Riverside in this area should be accommodated by the master plan improvements. Therefore, based on the probable level of need generat- ed by the general plan buildout condition, considerable effort must be made to ensure that adequate facilities are available as needed, as buildout conditions occur. EVMWD has identified improvements that are needed immediately including the expansion of the Elsinore Valley plant to 3.0 million gallons per day and the Railroad Canyon plant to 1.25 million gallons per day. In addition, pumping stations along Lakeshore Drive, VI - 30 Public Safety and Urban Services Element east of Riverside Drive need to be upgraded. 'The master, plan recommends that other improvements should be scheduled in response to development as it occurs. This will require a close working relationship between the city and the district to ensure that the phasing of approved development is accommodated by the wastewater collection and treatment facilities. The general plan and periodic building activity reports can assist EVMWD in updating its wastewater master plan. L SOLID WASTE 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS In 1972, the State Legislature adopted the California Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery Act which required each county within the state to prepare a solid waste management plan for all waste generated in the county and disposed of in or outside of the county. In compliance with the Act, the Riverside County Solid Waste Management PIan was prepared in 1988, and serves as the general guideline ,for waste management in the county. The Act further mandates that each county establish a Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) to enforce all solid waste management regulations to meet state operational standards. The responsibilities of the Riverside County LEA include investigating illegal waste disposal, ensuring proper landfill closure, inspecting solid waste facilities, and planning landfill site location. Solid waste disposal is provided to the City of Lake Elsinore through a contract with Riverside County, which currently uses landfills as the primary depository for waste disposal. At present, three landfills serve Lake Elsinore, including El Sobrante, Mead Valley, and Double Butte. The El Sobrante landfill is the primary facility serving Lake Elsinore. The site provides service to approximately 142,000 individuals, and serves several other cities and communities as well as Lake Elsinore. The site accommodates about 243,000 toms of waste per year, and has a remaining capacity of 5,600,OGO tans. The current closing date for the EI Sobrante landfill is 2002-2003. However, expansion of the EI Sobrante facility is planned, which will increase the landfill's life to twenty years. VI -31 Public Safety and Urban Services Element The Mead Valley landfill serves Perris, Lake Elsinore, and several unincorporated communities. The landfill serves a population of 58,000 which generates approximately 255,000 tons of waste per year. The site is scheduled to remain open until the year 2000, and currently has a remaining capacity of 1,200,000 tons. information contained in the Riverside County Solid Waste Management Plan indicates that upon closing of the Mead Valley landfill, wastes generated in its service area may be taken to the Lamb Canyon landfill which currently possesses a life expectancy past the year 2003. Waste may also be directed to the El Sobrante landfill. The service region for the Double Butte landfill includes Hemet and Lake Elsinore, and several unincorporated communities. The landfill currently serves a population of 91,000, which generates about 161,000 tons of waste each year. The landfill has a remaining capacity of 750,000 tons. It is currently projected that the Double Butte landfill Will reach existing capacity during the early 1990s. The exact closure date of this site will primarily depend upon the availability of cover material. Upon closure of this site, waste from the service area may be redirected to either the Lamb Canyon or El Sobrante landfill. The Elsinore landfill, located in the City of Lake Elsinore, is currently inactive. The requisite report for closure of the site has been submitted to the California Waste Management Board and Regional Water Quality Control Board. Physical construction pertaining to the closure has commenced. Complete stabilization of the Site is anticipat- ed by 2010. Both the City of Lake Elsinore and the County of Riverside regulate and provide waste collection services. The city contracts with private refuse haulers for service within city limits. Jess Rodriguez Disposal Company is presently under contract to the city, and has been issued a permit from the County of Riverside to provide solid waste disposal services to the Lake Elsinore area. Unincorporated areas within the city's sphere of influence are served by the County of Riverside. Lake Elsinore adopted Ordinance No. 816 in 1978 to be added to the Lake Elsinore Municipal state's lstta.ndarthe dsol.lection of established refuse in accordance with for the collection at least a week and from businesses . The ordinance requires that refuse be removed from residences a minimum of three times each week. VI -32 Public Safety and Urban Services Element 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Population projections and historical growth rates reveal that the city and sphere are currently experiencing and will continue to experience significant growth in population and employment. Estimated future solid waste tonnage figures for the landfills serving Lake Elsinore are based, in part, upon city plus regional population projections provided by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Draft Report of 1987. These numbers do not include the population figures resulting from probable buildout of the general plan. The existing landfill facilities are adequate to serve SCAG's projected population estimate of 32,788 for Lake Elsinore through the year 2005. However, implementation of the general plan at probable buildout will result in a total of approximately 129,300 persons in the city and 287,400 persons in the total Study Area. These population projections are based on a persons per household ratio of 2.78 for Lake Elsinore, and the anticipated number of dwelling units at probable buildout, as forecasted in the Land Use Element. Considerable effort, therefore, must be made to ensure that either new facilities are created or existing ones expanded to meet the disposal needs of the city and sphere area upon buildout of the general plan. Recently passed legislation, Assembly Bill 939, requires that each city and county in California implement programs to recycle, reduce at the source and compost 25 percent of their solid waste by the year 1995 and 50 percent by the year 2000. A plan describing how each city and county will meet these requirements must be prepared by January 1, 1991. At present, there are no active recycling programs or provisions existing within the city. Implementation of waste recycling programs and the use of trash compactors in residential units should be encouraged as measures to minimize the volume of solid waste generated. The future uses of the Elsinore landfill are unknown, and are being investigated by both the county and the City of Lake Elsinore. The closed landfill can be converted to a number of land uses. According to the Riverside County Solid Waste Management Plan of 1988, one desirable option is conversion of the landfill to an- open green space area, for community recreation and enjoyment. Recreational uses may include ball fields, golf courses, parks, playgrounds, as well as concession stands and sanitary facilities. A completed sanitary landfill can be productive by turning it into pasture • or cropland. Agricultural use, however, will necessitate an increase in u State Department of Finance, Population Research Unit, May 1990. VI -33 Public Safety and Urban Services Element depth of the final cover and an additional layer of soil placed above the final cover. Construction of residential as well as non-residential uses is another option. However, it should be noted that the cost of designing, constructing, and maintaining buildings on landfill sites may be considerably higher than it is for those erected on a well -compacted earthfill or on undisturbed soil Each proposal should be evaluated from a technical and economic viewpoint, as more suitable land is often available elsewhere which would not require the expensive construction techniques required at a sanitary landfill. The Land Use Map designates the site as Open Space/Recreation until such time as a future use, if any, is determined for the property. J. EDUCATIONAL FAC 171 S 1. EXISTING CONDMONS The City of Lake Elsinore is served by the Lake Elsinore Unified School District. The following is a list of current sites, as well as present student population and site capacity of primary and secondary schools in the Lake Elsinore area. Table VI -4 EXISTING EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES LAKE ELSINORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT DECEMBER 1989 Schools of Students Capacity Elementary Schools: Elsinore (K-6) 873 9928 Wildomar (K-6) 1,219 1,131 Machado (K-6) 1,002 1,102 Butterfield (K-6) 951 1,073 Jean Hayman (K-6) 603 609 Railroad Canyon (K-6) 1,032 1,131 Withrow (K-6) 740 899 Junior High Schools: Elsinore Junior High (7-8) 583 S66 Terra Cotta Junior High (7-8) 768 706 VI - 34 Public Safety and Urban Services Element Elsinore High School (9-12) 2,009 2,118 Ortega High School Continuation School (9-12) 200 200 i�ij�*jri19724:rIRI 9,980 IA463 Source: Lake Elsinore Unified School District, December 1989 Temescal Canyon High School is presently under construction, and should be completed in September 1991. Additionally, the District currently has several schools in various phases of planning and construction in the following areas: Tuscany Hills, Horsethief, Ramsgate, Cottonwood Hills, Alberhill and Wildomar. In addition, both the Perris Union High School District and the Menifee Union School District provide service to some areas within the sphere. Both districts have enrollments that exceed present capacities, and are currently planning to expand facilities to accommodate anticipated growth in the areas served. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Due to the rapid rate of development experienced in the Lake Elsinore area in recent years, provision of adequate public school facilities within the city is currently an issue. Several of the District's schools are operating beyond capacity or are very near capacity. In order to provide adequate educational services to the existing student population, some schools conduct double sessions. In addition, in order to augment permanent buildings, temporary classroom facilities or "relocatables," are being leased from the state and private sources to house more than fifty percent of the student body. School generation rates and general plan buildout dwelling unit information have been used to forecast the approximate number of public school students in the study area at buildout. This forecast is summarized in the following Table VI -5. VI - 35 Public Safety and Urban Services Element Table VI -5 STUDENT GENERATION IN THE STUDY AREA Number of Units Generation Students Generated at Buildout Rate Generated City 46,516 K-6 - M 27,118 7-8 - M5 3,954 9-12-115 5,350 Total Students 36,E Sphere 56,879 K-8 -.538 33,160 9-12-.22 12,513 Total Students 45,673 Source: Lake ELsinore Unified School District, December 1989 Menifee Union High School District, February 1990 Perris Union High School District, February 1990 At probable buildout, the project will result in a total city area school population of 36,422 students, and a sphere area school population of 45,673 students. This will result in a student population far beyond what the present school facilities can accommodate. As previously noted, new school facilities will be built in coming years to accommodate the rapid growth in the area. Information on anticipated capacity levels of these schools is not available at present, however, these new facilities should be able to accommodate a significant number of students projected to be generated by buildout of the general plan. Nonetheless, additional facilities beyond what are currently being planned, may need to be provided. Maximum buildout of the general plan may necessitate the construction of still more facilities. Sites have been set aside for new schools for several projects in the city and sphere area, and applications have been filed for state funding to construct these schools. The Lake Elsinore Unified School District assesses a school impact fee in accordance with state law for residential and non-residential land uses. However, state funding for school facilities in conjunction with developer fees has proven inadequate, both in amount and timing, to finance school facilities necessary to serve the students generated by new development. A plan to initiate year-round education is being considered by the Lake Elsinore Unified School District Board. This measure is a potential way of housing the rapidly increasing student enrollment, VI - 36 K. LIBRARY FACILITIES 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS The Riverside City/County Library District currently maintains a branch facility in Lake Elsinore, located at 400 West Graham. The Lake Elsinore County Branch Library serves a population of approximately 15,000 from the Lake Elsinore area as well as the surrounding vicinity. The facility houses approximately 21,760 volumes, with a total annual circulation of 102,431. The present facility is adequate at this time to serve the existing population, although the library does not currently meet the county facilities standard for floor area. The county facilities standard for floor area, as noted in the Riverside County Library Service _Standards of January 1989, is .5 square feet per capita. Based on the approximate population currently served by the library, the Lake Elsinore branch should be a 17,000 square foot facility. The total square footage of the library, however, is 5,200 square feet. The materials or volume collection standard is 1.2 volumes per capita. This volume collection standard would equate to approximately 40,800 volumes to serve the current population base. The Lake Elsinore branch, however, contains a collection of 21,760 volumes. In order to meet county facility standards and accommodate the projected future growth in the Lake Elsinore area, a long-range plan to the year 2005 has been developed by the Riverside City/County Library District. The plan includes the provision of a new 20,000 - square foot library facility for the Lake Elsinore branch. The civic center complex has been discussed as a potential location, however, no site has been decided upon at the present time. Although construction of the facility is set for 1991-92 time frame, a lack of funding for the project may result in extension of this date. An application is currently being prepared to the California State Library for funds allocated to library renovation as authorized by Proposition 85. Provisions of the proposition require that the local community provide 35 percent of the needed funds, with the remaining 65 percent to be subsidized by the state. UI ;-7 Of lesser immediate priority are two additional facility developments in the Wildomar area and Cathedral Canyon. The Wildomar facility will contain 12,000 square feet of library space, although the location has yet to be determined. The present Cotton Canyon facility is expected to be expanded an additional 6,000 square feet in order to serve the Cottonwood development project. 2. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Implementation of the general plan at probable buildout will introduce approximately 231,435 additional persons in the total Study Area. Utilizing the county's standard of .5 square feet of library structure needed per capita, and the forecasted population increase of 231,435 resulting from the general plan buildout, approximately 115,718 square feet of library space will ultimately be required for the total Study Area. Furthermore, approximately 277,722 additional volumes will be needed at that time to meet the county standards. With regard to the city only, 44,821 additional square feet of space, and 107,569 additional volumes will be needed to accommodate the additional 89,641 individuals generated at probable buildout. Maximum buildout would place even greater demands upon library facilities. As noted previously, the county of Riverside and the city of Lake Elsinore have plans to expand the library system to accommodate the anticipated growth in population in the coming years. Additional facilities, beyond what are currently being planned, may be necessary to meet the needs of the population in the city and sphere area at buildout. General taxes and other sources available to the library system may aid in the funding of new construction and expansion of facilities. The city utilizes developer fees to fund library facility needs. This fee is currently $150 per dwelling unit and is allocated to the construction of new library facilities. Funds provided through Proposition 85 for library renovation also are used for costs associated with the relocation of the Lake Elsinore branch, as well as for the expansion of additional facilities.